Our History

Today

OneGoal named Melissa Connelly as its new CEO and Jeff Nelson as Chair of the National board
Look + feel of the organization is updated to better match the vibrancy and aspirations of Fellows
New delivery model prototype is designed and in pilot phase, testing our ability to achieve impact at scale
Fellows: 13,000+

2018-2019

OneGoal aligned on new organizational foundations, including vision, mission, core values and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
Launched new curriculum grounded in Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Successfully raised $31 million growth campaign to fund Phase III
Fellows: 13,000+

2017-2018

OneGoal celebrates 10 years serving students.
OneGoal kicks-off Phase III to transform our program to be proportional to the depth and complexity of the problem and launch new delivery models to enable us to reach exponential number of students.
OneGoal staff reaches nearly 130, with 61% of staff members identifying as people of color.
Fellows: 12,000+

2016-2017

OneGoal completes Phase II and the 2017 $15M growth campaign
OneGoal staff reaches 100 staff members with 60% identifying as people of color
OneGoal expands to the Bay Area

Fellows: 9,300+

2015-2016

Fellows are invited to the White House to attend the inaugural Beating the Odds Summit.
First OneGoal alumnus joins our staff.
OneGoal expands to Metro-Atlanta.

Fellows: 6,550+

2014-2015

OneGoal expands to Massachusetts
University of Chicago Evaluation on OneGoal is published
President Obama shares the story of OneGoal Fellow, Caleb, and recognizes the impact and potential of OneGoal in his speech on College Opportunity

Fellows: 3,950+

2013-2014

OneGoal begins work on building an organization that seeks and embraces diversity and fosters an environment of inclusion and cultural competency.
The Michael + Susan Dell Foundation becomes the first national foundation to invests in OneGoal via a multi-year gift.
OneGoal expands to New York.

Fellows: 3,000+

2012-2013

Urban Students Empowered becomes OneGoal.
OneGoal expands to Houston.
How Children Succeed by NY Times author Paul Tough hits the stands and features OneGoal as an example of an intervention that successfully helps students build non-cognitive skills.
Fellows: 1,900+

2011-2012

A Better Chicago becomes the first venture philanthropy firm to invest in US Empowered’s Chicago-focused work, and US Empowered joins its grantee portfolio as one of the firm’s first three investments.
The office moves to 215 W. Superior, allowing for expansion.

Fellows: 1,400+

2010-2011

In August, NBA superstar Dwyane Wade and four of President Obama’s closest friends and basketball buddies, play ball at the East Bank Club with US Empowered supporters and students.
Marty Nesbitt addresses the incoming college graduating Class of 2016 at an annual Launch Conference a UIC.

Fellows: 500+

2009-2010

US Empowered pilots our in-school program model, moving from our original after-school approach in order to serve more students and schools.

Fellows: 200+

2008-2009

US Empowered partners with Northwestern University’s Chicago Field Studies program to recruit extra manpower/interns to augment our growing movement.
US Empowered hosts our first Graduation Gala at the University Club of Chicago.

Fellows: 90+

2007-2008

OneGoal starts as an afterschool program called Urban Students Empowered (US Empowered) in Dunbar High School in Chicago.
The office is “headquartered” at a Caribou Coffee in downtown Chicago.

Fellows: 32

Smart and

Sustainable Growth

Our work is critical. Our results are tangible. OneGoal’s first two phases were focused on building a best-in-class model and honing our delivery system to grow our reach and increase our impact. Yet, our nation is still not on pace to close the degree divide within our lifetime. And so we begin Phase III focused on innovation and acceleration. Learn more →

Build the startup
+ design the model

1,400

Fellows
[2007 – 2011]

Phase I:
Design

Demonstrate impact,
grow the operation
+ expand nationally

9,300

Fellows
[2012-2017]

Phase II:
Replicate

Build disruptive, enduring solutions + accelerate impact

25,000

Fellows
[2018 – 2022]

Learn more →