Coach a Community College Student at Richard Daley College!

One Million Degrees Scholars are individuals pursuing their associate degrees. They have persisted through challenging situations and are striving to reach their full potential and become positive forces in their families and communities. As an OMD Coach, you will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and support to OMD Scholars.

OMD Coaches broaden horizons of career aspirations and possibilities, provide professional insights, model professional norms and behaviors, and encourage scholars through challenges and setbacks. They assist scholars in thoughtful goal-setting, celebrate successes with their scholar and ensure they do not fall short of their potential.

OMD Coach Qualifications:

• Have an associate degree
• Have a passion for supporting community college students with diverse backgrounds, coaching them through challenges, and celebrating their successes.

Once you submit an application, OMD staff will reach out to help you complete the following requirements to become an OMD Coach:

• (Optional) Attend a 30-minute virtual coach info session
• Coaches will receive 60-minute asynchronous training prior to the first coaching session. This will also include a Diversity and Inclusion training component.
• Agree to a criminal background check
• Sign and submit a One Million Degrees Coaching Agreement

Once you become an OMD coach, you will be expected to:

• Participate in five 2-hour Scholar Development Sessions during the academic year with your assigned scholars (October, November, January, March, and April). At those events, coaches will support scholars with resume writing, interview prep, and career planning while connecting personally. Coaching sessions are held on scheduled Saturday mornings from 9:00 am-11:00 am.
• Submit a brief monthly activity report to One Million Degrees staff to let us know how things are going
• Be available outside of monthly coaching sessions and commit to at least one phone or email exchange with your scholar per month.

OMD Coach benefits:

• Build valuable relationships with scholars.
• Grow professionally and personally as you mentor diverse and talented scholars.
• Be inspired by scholars' stories and perseverance.
• Expand your own professional network through connections with fellow coaches.
• Gain understanding of and insight into diverse communities across Chicago and its suburbs