Why Thrive?

Our Founders: A Vision Beyond College Access

A Powerful Beginning

Thrive Scholars orginated from a simple yet powerful idea: talented students from under-resourced communities deserve more than just a chance at college—they deserve the support to thrive in college and to succeed in meaningful careers.

Inspiration from South Central Los Angeles

It all began as a scholarship program in South Central Los Angeles over 20 years ago, where social activists Dr. James and Patricia London were inspired by the book, And Still We Rise. The story followed gifted students facing systemic barriers and demonstrated that even the brightest needed stronger guidance to transform potential into lasting success. The Londons recognized the opportunity gap and set out to fill it.

From an Idea to Impact

In 2001, they launched the SCS model in Boston as SCS Noonan Scholars, which would eventually become Thrive Scholars. They started with a small cohort of high-achieving Black students who were the first in their families to attend college. The model they created went beyond scholarships; it offered academic, emotional, and career support at every step of the college journey—and it worked. Within a few years, 90% of students attended top colleges like Harvard, Brown, and USC.

A Name Rooted in Purpose, Evolved for the Future

Originally called SCS Noonan Scholars—reflecting its South Central roots and early presence in Boston—the program expanded rapidly on a national scale. In 2020, we became Thrive Scholars, a name that signifies our history and our future direction. It embodies our Scholars’ aspirations and our shared belief that true equity involves more than access; it encompasses long-lasting success, intergenerational wealth, and financial security.

College Graduation Is Just the Beginning

The Londons created this program with the belief that graduation is merely the beginning. Our Scholars must excel academically, professionally, and personally to cultivate a more just and representative future.

Building a Path to Thrive

Through Thrive Academy and the 6-Year Program, Thrive Scholars provides high-achieving, under-resourced students with access to resources and comprehensive support needed to succeed at top colleges and in meaningful careers. It also helps them develop character, resilience, confidence, and social networks that will carry them from high school into their careers.

Raising the Bar for What’s Possible

We press on as Thrive Scholars with the clear conviction that when it comes to talented students with limited access to educational and career opportunities, our society needs a new goal and a new way forward to support these exceptional young people in achieving their ambitious goals. College graduation is a start, but it sets the bar far too low. Grades matter. Majors matter. Career skills matter. And networks matter.

Their Legacy, Our Future

Our founders’ vision endures in every Scholar we serve today—and in every future leader we support for tomorrow.