Chicago Thrives

Launching extraordinary futures in the Windy City

Our program prepares and supports high-achieving underrepresented students across Chicago to get into the nation’s Top 100 colleges – and graduate with the career skills and experience they need to thrive at the most innovative companies.

Learn more about our programming in Chicago through firsthand insights from our esteemed board members and accomplished local Scholars here.

What’s at stake in Chicago?

Today there are 2,500 students of color from economically under-resourced communities in Chicago with the academic qualifications to get into top colleges. To succeed at top colleges, these talented students deserve our full support — but there simply aren’t enough city-wide programs to support them all.

That’s why, as part of our strategic national expansion to serve as many students of color as possible, Thrive Scholars is proud to now call Chicago home.

Some of the colleges Thrive Scholars attend

Join Our Mission For Local Impact

Create a lasting impact in building a more diverse and equitable workforce by empowering students from Chicago with the resources and support necessary to thrive. You can make a difference in multiple ways, such as donating, volunteering, or joining our regional corporate partnership program.

How Your Company Can Help Diverse Scholars Thrive
Thrive Scholars offers a unique opportunity for innovative organizations to partner with us in creating a pipeline of exceptional and diverse talent. Our collaborative process aims to develop outcome-driven regional corporate partnerships that inspire deeper staff engagement and drive positive social change while supporting your organization’s diversity and inclusion goals.

Sponsor Diverse Talent
Your company can support local Scholars through our program by sponsoring a cohort each year. As “Company Name” Thrive Scholars, these students will gain valuable guidance and exposure to careers that align with your company’s success.

How We Make Your Business Stronger

• Deepen Employee Engagement
  • Your company’s employees can engage with your sponsored Scholars through turnkey opportunities facilitated by Thrive, including meet and greets, mentorship, job shadowing, and career panels.
• Focused Community Impact
  • Promote social responsibility and community involvement by creating opportunities for high-achieving students of color in your area. Thrive can focus employee engagement in Chicago, allowing for connections with Scholars attending high schools or colleges in specific regions.
• Branding
  • Demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and inspire others to join the cause and positively impact society. We will recognize your company logo on Thrive’s website, social media channels, select marketing materials, and at local Thrive events, which can increase your company’s brand visibility.
• Internships & Hiring
  • Offer internships directly to the Scholars your company sponsors. Your company can reach over 3,000 top candidates and expand your talent pool with diverse and capable individuals by posting internships and job openings on Thrive’s Scholar and Alumni portals.

Chicago Sponsors

Thanks to our supporters in Chicago. Our expansion to Chicago would not be possible without the generous seed funding from key corporations and foundations. By supporting Chicago’s most talented and ambitious students of color today, they’re helping them to become the professional, business, and civic leaders of tomorrow.

*These companies also participate in our Corporate Sponsorship Program.

Interested in learning more about our programming in Chicago?

Contact our Chicago Executive Director
Kylia Kummer