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Community Corner

FOUR SSC STUDENTS RECEIVE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH OMD PROGRAM

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–One Million Degrees (OMD) announces four students from South Suburban College (SSC) who were selected for the 2013-2014 class of OMD scholars.  SSC students Brandon Lilly of Glenwood, Brittany Vernon of South Holland, Pamela Watkins of Calumet City, and Hammed Sorunke of Harvey were chosen among the 51 highly motivated community college students selected from hundreds of applicants to receive financial assistance and student support services.  OMD empowers students to excel academically, and ensures that they are well prepared to enter the workforce in diverse and meaningful careers.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of scholars into our program,” said OMD CEO Paige Ponder. “One Million Degrees looks forward to supporting them academically, professionally, and personally as they pursue their dreams.”

These students have demonstrated drive, resilience and incredible potential.  Hammed Sorunke is a shining example of the spirit of the OMD scholars.  Sorunke left his native Nigeria to move to Harvey, Illinois, with his father.  The first thing his father told him upon arrival was that that the best way to succeed was through determination.  Sorunke chose to begin his education at community college to in order to become acquainted with the educational system.  He is enjoying his classes at SSC and his ultimate goal is to become a medical doctor.  Sorunke’s determination and work ethic will certainly help him succeed.

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OMD scholars graduate at three times the national average, and transfer to four-year universities and colleges around the state or enter the workforce in high-demand fields.   OMD will provide these scholars with financial assistance for up to three years at a community college, and offer scholars academic support, professional development, financial literacy training, civic engagement and leadership development opportunities, and coaching and mentoring around career readiness. 

OMD has supported over 400 scholars to date in partnership with the seven City Colleges of Chicago, Prairie State College and South Suburban College.  For more information about One Million Degrees, please call (312) 920-9605, email info@onemilliondegrees.org or visit

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www.onemilliondegrees.org.

The South Suburban College Foundation also provides hundreds of scholarship opportunities each year to qualified students attending SSC.  For more information about SSC programs or services, please call (708) 596-2000 or visit www.ssc.edu.

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