At first blush, 20-year-old Doris Medina may seem a little shy – but not when it comes to pursuing her dreams. Medina migrated from Mexico to Chicago at age 13 and graduated from Harold Washington College in May, thanks to a scholarship and support from local nonprofit One Million Degrees (OMD).

“I think back to when I was a very introverted shy person, but all these events that I have participated in with OMD helped me gain confidence to build stronger communication and social skills,” said Medina, who will be studying psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago this fall.

Come September, a new batch of more than 100 scholars at One Million Degrees will prepare for careers at a new location in the heart of Chicago’s business hub – in a sleek conference room on the 21st Floor of Co-op member Leo Burnett‘s downtown office by the river. 

The creative advertising agency announced a partnership with the nonprofit Monday, offering space and resources for it to host monthly workshops and events during the upcoming school year.

“The commitment to making sure the scholars not only go to college but succeed while there is something everyone in Chicago should get behind,” said Susan Credle, chief creative officer of Leo Burnett North America and a board member of One Million Degrees, in a news release. “We hope 35 West Wacker will be an inspiring place for scholars to meet and work towards their goals.”

Jessica Besser-Rosenberg, One Million Degree’s research and communications director, said the partnership will help scholars build important life skills in everything from financial literacy to communications – all while in a professional setting.

“It really works for our students,” Besser-Rosenberg said.

  

Scholars like Medina have already had a chance to check out the new location. Last month One Million Degrees celebrated student achievements in the Burnett Room, which they will now call home for the upcoming school year.

In addition to the new workshop venue, Leo Burnett has helped One Million Degrees with what it does best – design – as the nonprofit rebranded itself from the Illinois Education Foundation during the past year. 

“We are very, very lucky to have their support,” Besser-Rosenberg said.

For more about Leo Burnett and other CIW Co-op rock stars, visit The Cooperative.

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