As I begin my role as CEO of Thrive Scholars, I’m excited to introduce this year’s incoming cohorts (6-Year Program, Thrive Academies, OnRamp) and I am grateful for the opportunity to personally connect with some of our Scholars during my first few weeks. Interacting with them confirms what I already know: these Scholars are not only achieving academically, with passions spanning from economics to public policy, but they are also committed to service and growth and well on their way as emerging leaders. I’m excited for the potential they represent. Just weeks out of our summer programming, I am proud to share an update on their Academy experiences. Thanks to your support, our Scholars had the chance to participate in transformative opportunities that have sparked growth, confidence, and a broader worldview. As we finalize our comprehensive reporting across our summer programming collectively, here are some highlights:  First and foremost, all of our incoming Scholars grew significantly in their math and writing abilities this summer, as demonstrated in our pre/post assessments, and 84% shared that summer programming showed them that they belong on a highly selective campus. In addition, Scholars in our Thrive Academies summer programs (at Mercy University – Manhattan Campus and University of Southern California) grew in terms of their ability to:

  • think critically and analytically (87%), and
  • identify their academic strengths and growth areas (87%).

And Scholars in our 6-Year Program summer program (at Amherst), felt more prepared to:

  • apply to highly selective schools (89%), and
  • go to college away from home (91%).

Their summer experience has set them up to thrive in the upcoming college application process and on their campus once they arrive. It’s through your ongoing dedication and support that we can continue providing opportunities that set our Scholars up for success in college and beyond. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. Read on to learn about the inspiring young people whose futures we are shaping together. In partnership,

Drew Martin Chief Executive Officer

Meet the Incoming Thrive Scholars Cohorts College Class of 2029

OnRamp Scholars are High School Class of 2026, and not included in the overall information above. These students average a household income of $63K (median $75K), average GPA of 3.82, 100% identify as Black/African American males and 59% identify as first-generation college students.

Scholars Share Summer / Thrive Academy Experiences

Jaylene - Boston, MA

Academic Interest: Finance

“Thrive Scholars has helped me grow as a person and as a student. Being surrounded by amazing students across the country made me feel like I’m not the only one striving for better. Having professors and assistant professors that truly showed how much they care for the growth of each student pushed me to do better in my academics. I feel like I found my people at Thrive and that is something I will always hold dear to me.”

Gianni - Reseda, CA

Academic Interest: Law

“I have had an amazing time with Thrive Scholars! Thrive allowed me to travel across the country and take college-level courses taught by real professors from highly ranked universities. I also had the pleasure of making new friends from similar backgrounds to mine. All in all, Thrive gave me hope as I began navigating the college admissions process and learned crucial factors and application strategies to help me stand out as an applicant. I’m really interested in going to graduate school, specifically law school to earn my JD.”

llilli - Chicago, IL

Academic Interest: Medical / Biology

“I felt more confident and motivated to achieve my career and personal goals solely from being around my peers, which led me to work harder throughout the summer and apply for more opportunities that I would’ve previously doubted I could achieve or get into. The professors at Thrive were extremely different than what I had expected a college professor to be like, my math professor was extremely motivational and continuously supported me and guided me when I felt lost and unmotivated. I will forever thank Thrive for opening this opportunity for me.”

Gabriel - Cleveland, OH

Academic Interest: Law

“Thrive Scholars was an absolutely life-changing experience where I got to meet so many bright young minds from an array of diverse backgrounds. Being in a space where so many high-achieving people of color thrived shaped my understanding of what it means to excel. Before, I would compare myself to others at my school who filled a very different niche and would be disappointed in certain aspects of my inability to relate or assimilate to what they do and how they think. Thrive changed that and opened my eyes to how much I value being in a space where people like me are everywhere.”

Tiana - Bronx, NY

Academic Interest: Education

“Thrive has truly been a genuinely amazing experience. Being in Amherst in such a welcoming and comfortable environment has given me the confidence to be myself. Before I thrived, I was too ashamed and scared of truly being myself out of fear people won’t love me for it. Yet thriving taught me that no matter what people think, I should always be myself. Thrive gave me the opportunity to be around more people of my own race.”

Tiana - Bronx, NY

Academic Interest: Education

“My experience with Thrive Scholars has impacted me tremendously. Thrive has helped me become more social and [helped me] get out of my comfort zone. I have become more confident in my academic skills. As I grow up, I would like to major in business or finance, and eventually become an investment banker and from there a venture capitalist. The investment world has my heart, which is why I’ve decided to pursue it.”

Londyn - West Bloomfield Township, MI

Academic Interest: Business / Finance

“My experience with Thrive Scholars has significantly impacted my academic growth by exposing me to new opportunities and perspectives that influence my college decisions. Thrive introduced me to programs I hadn’t known before, opening doors to further my academic journey. I've built a community with other driven students from diverse backgrounds, where we motivate each other to excel not only academically but in all aspects of life. I aspire to become an accountant, inspired by my passion for helping minorities achieve financial independence through guidance.”

Valery - Clinton, NC

Academic Interest: Architecture

“Becoming a Thrive Scholar has truly been a transformative experience for me. Connecting with my fellow scholars has created lasting memories and friendships. I am immensely grateful for the support and resources provided by Thrive, which have significantly boosted my confidence and encouraged me to embrace my true self. This journey has taught me that authenticity is the best path forward, allowing me to grow personally and academically. I am looking forward to this journey and whatever comes with it because I have learned to succeed through any challenges that arise from it thanks to Thrive."

Adrian - Inglewood, CA - BMO Thrive Academy, Los Angeles

Academic Interest: Business

“I'm a first-generation Latino student. I’ll be the first in my family to go to college and make them all proud. I’m grateful for this experience and what to inspire others to achieve their dreams. I hope to be a model of what you can be for kids like me. I want to help build the business my grandfather started in Inglewood with only a 3rd grade education.”

Adama - Bronx, NY - Thrive Academy NY, Sponsored by Citadel

Academic Interest: Political Science / International Affairs / Journalism

“Thrive Scholars has profoundly shaped my thinking and prepared me for college by offering college-level math and writing courses. The program challenged me mentally, enhancing my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I met incredible mentors and peers who provided unwavering support and encouragement. Thrive also offered workshops and equipped me with essential life skills like time management and effective communication. Overall, Thrive was an extraordinary experience that has irreversibly shaped my perspective and approach to life."