Jacksonville - Thrive Scholars

Thriving in Florida’s First Coast

Unleashing Potential in Jacksonville’s Next Generation

What’s At Stake In Jacksonville

Today, there are more than 130,000 students in the Duval County school system alone. Of those students:

69%
identify as students of color– 41% Black/African American, 17% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Two or more races, 4% Asian

49%
are economically disadvantaged

Talented students of color need full support to succeed at top colleges, and Thrive Scholars has a solution for not only Duval County but across Northeast Florida.

Starting with a high school student’s junior year, our program prepares and supports high-achieving, underrepresented students in the Jacksonville area to get into the nation’s Top 100 colleges and graduate with the career skills, experience, and social networks they need to thrive at the most innovative companies.

That’s why, as part of our strategic national expansion to serve as many students of color as possible, Thrive Scholars opens its doors in Jacksonville to reach tomorrow’s leaders.

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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, 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.

What Our Scholars Say:

Yamariz

Jacksonville Thrive Scholar

When I first became a part of the Thrive Scholar Family, I felt it was too good to be true. However, during Summer Academy, my skepticism was put to rest. I met dozens of kids like me, decorated with achievements, passionate about their education, and relentlessly chasing their goals. The men and women with whom I grew close became a significant source of inspiration as well as guidance. For example, I was stressed with the task of choosing a career path and a major. Yet after long conversations with my College Access Manager and professors at Amherst, I was able to create an outline that best suited me and my interests. I felt more confident in my career choice, and as a result, my anxiety for the future was replaced with excitement. It was a life-changing, euphoric experience that I will never forget.

Denise N

Jacksonville Thrive Scholar

At Summer Academy, I was able to experience what daily life on a college campus feels like, and now I am confident in my ability to adjust to a new environment once I move away to college. Summer Academy also helped me develop communication skills with professors, faculty and staff, and my peers. Not only did I improve my social skills, but I regained my self-confidence. And for that I will forever be grateful for the love and support Thrive and my fellow Scholars have given me.

What Our Partners Say:

Wanda Willis

Vice President of Civic Leadership, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida has long focused on helping students from all backgrounds succeed in public schools. Thrive Scholar's unique model is proven to help students from low-income backgrounds and communities of color succeed in high-paid, high-impact careers. We are incredibly proud to have played a leading role in raising the funds to expand Thrive Scholars to Northeast Florida.

Brian Wolfburg

President & CEO, VyStar Credit Union

VyStar Credit Union was proud to be the first local organization to sign on in support of Thrive Scholars, and we are thrilled to see this important program expanding in our hometown of Jacksonville. Young people are the future our community, and we recognize the importance of providing opportunities for high-achieving, diverse individuals to realize their dreams. We have watched proudly as many students have been enriched by Thrive Scholars, and we remain committed to supporting the program and its mission to empower the next generation of leaders.

Jacksonville Sponsors

Our expansion into Jacksonville and Northeast Florida would not be possible without the generous seed funding from leading corporations, foundations and individuals. By supporting the area’s most talented and ambitious students of color today, our partners are helping these Scholars to become the professional, business, and civic leaders of tomorrow.