Thrive Scholars' New Initiative Aims to Foster Success for Diverse College Students

Thrive Scholars and College Partners Create Pathways for Talented, Underrepresented Students

Thrive Scholars, a national nonprofit with over 20 years of experience, helps high-achieving, underrepresented students, particularly students of colour from low-income communities, succeed at top colleges and in meaningful careers. Through data-driven programs, they provide academic preparation, mentorship, and career counselling to bridge the opportunity gap. On December 18, 2024, they launched the Thrive Scholars College Collaborative, uniting 12 prestigious college partners committed to supporting diverse, talented students' success.

The collaboration includes renowned institutions such as Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Brown University, the University of Chicago, Cornell University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvey Mudd College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, the University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis, and Williams College. The goal is to provide an environment where Scholars can thrive academically while also building strong career pathways. Raynise Smith, Chief Program Officer at Thrive Scholars, highlighted the vital role of their college partners in fostering supportive environments for underrepresented students. She emphasized that these institutions are not just supporters but advocates, working with Thrive Scholars to close opportunity gaps and create pathways to success.

In 2024, scholars served over 1,448 students with an average high school GPA of 3.91. Of these, 83% were first-generation college-goers, with families earning an average of $45,000 annually. The program's College Success outcomes showed an 81% STEM persistence rate, compared to 56% among all students at top colleges. Thrive Scholars and its college partners work together to empower students to reach their full potential and contribute to campus communities. The collaboration is dedicated to providing resources, support, and access to help students succeed academically and feel a sense of belonging at their institutions.

Through the collaboration the scholars and partners are creating a transformative network that supports underrepresented students, ensuring they excel academically and build successful careers. This initiative reflects their shared commitment to fostering diversity, opportunity, and belonging at top institutions across the country.

Editor's Note:

Thrive Scholars is making a significant impact by providing comprehensive support to high-achieving, underrepresented students, specifically those from low-income communities and communities of colour. Thrive students assist students in college application guidance, admission support, mentorship programs, scholarships stipends and resources, helping students access top colleges and build meaningful careers. By partnering with prestigious institutions, Thrive Scholars ensures that these students succeed academically and also feel supported and valued in their college environments.

Skoobuzz believes that by addressing opportunity gaps and providing holistic support, Thrive Scholars empowers students to excel academically and professionally, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.