Diversifying Higher Education – A Post Affirmative Action Path Forward

OnRamp Application

What is the OnRamp Program? Play Video

 

The Thrive Scholars OnRamp Program is a free pre-college program designed to provide Black/Generational African American (Defined as the descendants of enslaved people in the United States) males in 10th grade with the skills needed to excel in their college and career preparation.

The 10-month program includes:

  • A 6-week residential Summer Academy program hosted on
    a college campus where students will be taught by college professors
  • A free laptop
  • Monthly coaching sessions with a college advisor
  • College tours
  • Networking with professionals of color leading in their career fields
  • A chance to learn alongside other ambitious Scholars from
    across the country
  • An opportunity to sample and apply to Thrive’s 6-Year Program

Are You Eligible?

The OnRamp Program is for high school sophomores who identify as Black/Generational African American (defined as the descendants of enslaved people in the United States) and male who are eager to learn and want to become more college and career ready.
While we review all applications holistically and do not have a GPA requirement, competitive applicants are high-achievers who typically meet the following criteria:

  • Identify as Black/Generational African American and Male
    • Defined as the descendants of enslaved people in the United States
  • Are in their sophomore year of high school
  • Primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered at your high school
  • College ambitions
  • Extracurricular leadership, family responsibilities,
    and/or part-time work
  • Household income at or below $125,000 annually.
    • Note the family income is just a barometer that is used in evaluating an applicant’s financial status. Please do not look at this as a cut off if you are above this number as we consider family size, circumstances, and geographic location.
  • A commitment to Summer Academy, our six-week residential summer program that takes place late June to early August

Why Does OnRamp Exist?

Black males are vastly underrepresented in the nation’s top colleges, advanced jobs, and corporate leadership roles. This disparity is especially pronounced when looking at the representation of Generational African Americans. OnRamp seeks to challenge the systems that limit the life and career opportunities of Black males by providing young men academic, social, and emotional resources necessary for success in college and beyond.

Join us for an overview of our programming, a discussion about our application process, and speak directly with current Thrive Scholars and staff.

What’s the Application Timeline? 

  • General Application Deadline –  December 15, 2023
  • Round Two Advancement –  Mid-late January 2024
  • Admission Decisions Released – Late March 2024

START YOUR ONRAMP APPLICATION HERE

Thank you for your interest in becoming an OnRamp Scholar. The application includes one short essay question as well as academic and financial documents that you need to prepare. You can save and continue within the application. Please be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete the application to put your best foot forward!