Student success reaching 86 percent retention rate

Clark State College's One Million Degrees program is producing strong early results just one year after its launch. The student success initiative has served 42 students with academic and personal supports, distributed more than $15,000 in financial support to students, helped the majority of participants earn a grade point average above 2.75 and achieved an 86 percent retention rate among the program’s first participants.

"At Clark State, we know many students need financial support to access education, and once those barriers are removed, they then need academic and professional supports to be successful in college and after.  Students need meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.  OMD provides framework that creates a community for students and provides assistance so students can remain focused on their goals from enrollment through graduation and starting a career,” said Breion Hawkins, Clark State’s One Million Degrees engagement coordinator.

Originally launched in Chicago, OMD expanded nationally through partnerships with Complete College America and the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. Clark State was selected as one of only three community colleges nationwide to pilot the model beginning in fall 2025.

The program primarily serves first-time, degree-seeking students who are committed to completing an associate degree within two years, reinforcing the value of Clark State as an affordable and efficient pathway to success.

According to One Million Degrees, students who participate in the program are 73 percent more likely to earn a college degree than their peers. In addition, students who complete program milestones can also earn up to $1,000 per academic year while building the skills, confidence and support networks needed for long-term success.

"From fall to spring, we've seen students become more engaged, more willing to seek support and more confident in taking ownership of their educational experience," Hawkins said. "We've helped students navigate academic challenges, clarify career goals and build stronger connections with faculty, staff and peers. Those relationships are helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom."

Hawkins noted that one of the program's most meaningful outcomes has been the level of trust students have developed through their participation.

"Even when students face difficult life circumstances, they're reaching out, asking questions and making informed decisions about their educational journeys," she said. "That level of communication and self-awareness is critical to long-term student success and demonstrates the value of comprehensive support."

Clark State is currently recruiting approximately 50 students for the 2026 OMD program. Eligible students must be enrolled in an associate degree program, plan to complete their degree by summer 2028, have earned 15 or fewer prior college credit hours, enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.  Participants must also commit to monthly one-on-one coaching meetings, professional development sessions and enrichment activities such as tutoring and study tables.

The program is available to students attending Clark State's campuses in Springfield, Beavercreek, Xenia and Bellefontaine.

Individuals interested in learning more about One Million Degrees can attend an upcoming information session or contact Hawkins at hawkinsb@clarkstate.edu or 937-328-6616. Information sessions will be held on June 17, July 15, July 22 and July 29 at Clark State's Springfield campus, 570 E. Leffel Lane, with sessions offered between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in one-hour blocks.   

Clark State’s fall semester begins Aug. 17.