Clark State College is now recruiting for the One Million Degrees program for the upcoming fall semester, which begins August 18. Designed for new or recent high school graduates, the program provides a comprehensive approach to student success—offering academic, financial, professional and personal support throughout a student’s college journey.
As one of only three community colleges nationwide selected to implement the OMD model, Clark State is bringing a nationally recognized student support framework to the region. The program is designed to address key barriers to college completion and promote long-term student achievement. Through OMD, participants receive intensive advising, coaching and support, as well as earn financial stipends each semester by completing program milestones. In addition, OMD follows a cohort model, meaning students build lasting connections and a shared support system among peers as they start the program and continue through to graduation together. According to the One Million Degrees website, participants in the program are 73 percent more likely to earn a degree than their peers.
Students eligible for the program must be recent high school graduates from Clark, Logan or Champaign counties; demonstrate financial need; have applied or plan to apply to Clark State; have fewer than 15 college credit hours and be committed to completing an associate degree program in two years. Participants must also maintain a 2.0 grade point average throughout the program.
“Being selected as one of only three community colleges in the nation, outside of the Chicago area where the program started, to offer the One Million Degrees program is an exciting and meaningful development for Clark State,” said Elecia Spain, associate dean of access and retention. “This initiative directly aligns with our mission to support students holistically—academically, personally and professionally—and it provides a proven framework that helps students not only start college, but complete it. We are proud to bring this opportunity to our community and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on student success.”
Applications for both admission to Clark State and participation in the OMD program are still being accepted for the fall semester. Only 60 students will be accepted into the OMD program, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon by contacting the Clark State admissions department at 937-328-6028 or admissions@clarkstate.edu.