Molson Coors Deepens Commitment to Social Justice and Equity with $1.5 Million in Grants
As part of its Project Justice initiative, Molson Coors is dedicating $100,000 to Chicago-based nonprofit One Million Degrees (OMD) to provide educational cost relief and wrap-around holistic support to its community college students from underserved communities. The donation is part of the company's larger $1.5 million investment in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) organizations dedicated to equity, empowerment, justice and community building, bringing its total cumulative investment to $4.5 million since 2020.
"Molson Coors is committed to increasing equitable access to higher education and easing the financial burden on BIPOC students from underserved communities," said Michael Nordman, senior manager of community affairs at Molson Coors. "We are proud to aid the efforts of One Million Degrees to accelerate community college students' progress on career pathways to economic mobility through their unique model of support."
According to data from OMD, 65% of Illinois public college students attend community college, but only one in four of them will graduate with a degree within three years. OMD scholars mirror the state's community college population, and even more closely mirror those students who are most likely to drop out: 46% are Black, 36% are Latinx, 7% are Asian/Pacific Islander and 5% are multi/biracial.
OMD partners with 10 Chicago-area community colleges, including the seven City Colleges of Chicago, Harper College, Prairie State College and South Suburban College. In addition to providing students with academic, professional and personal support, OMD offers financial stipends and several types of grants to ensure that scholars have the support they need to graduate and continue on their upwardly mobile career paths. OMD's proven success model significantly increases three-year graduation rates, according to research from the University of Chicago's Inclusive Economy Lab.
"At One Million Degrees, we are committed to providing our scholars with comprehensive support to help them succeed in school, in work and in life," said Aneesh Sohoni, CEO at One Million Degrees. "We are grateful to Molson Coors for sharing our belief that access to flexible, financial support is an essential part of wrap-around services that increase college graduation rates and provide a pathway to economic mobility."
Through this year's Project Justice initiative, Molson Coors is also donating an additional $200,000 in grants to several Chicago-based nonprofits dedicated to fighting for social justice including Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Chicago, Brave Space Alliance, My Block My Hood My City and YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
Project Justice was launched in 2020 in response to civil unrest and the inequitable impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on BIPOC communities. Beyond Project Justice, Molson Coors' social impact initiatives partner with organizations that aim to improve livelihoods, build resilient communities and empower the next generation of diverse leaders. For more information, please visit www.molsoncoors.com.
About Molson Coors
For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has been brewing beverages that unite people to celebrate all life's moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Blue Moon LightSky, Vizzy, Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, Creemore Springs, Hop Valley and more, Molson Coors produces many beloved and iconic beer brands. While the company's history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well. Our ESG strategy is focused on People and Planet with a strong commitment to raising industry standards and leaving a positive imprint on our employees, consumers, communities and the environment. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com, MolsonCoorsOurImprint.com or on Twitter through @MolsonCoors.