Gap Impact<50% of high-achieving, students of color from economically disadvantaged communities apply to even one top college.
What We DoWe help our Scholars find “best fit” selective colleges and showcase their qualifications for admittance into these elite schools.
Why Top Colleges Matter Research shows that where you go to school directly impacts career opportunities and earning potential for graduates – especially for students from economically disadvantaged communities. We focus on elite universities, not because of the big name but for the valuable networks they provide. By attending these institutions, the 85% of first-generation college students we serve gain access to a broader range of job prospects and career pathways.
William R. FitzsimmonsDean of Admissions and Financial Aid, Harvard University We greatly value our association with Thrive Scholars – a highly effective organization. They have been particularly successful in encouraging top students to apply to Harvard and its peer institutions. The fact that you have been so successful in helping to develop the talents of students from modest income backgrounds and then assisting them during college and beyond is a testament to the leadership role you can play if you can expand your outreach.
Joy St. JohnDean of Admission and Financial Aid, Wellesley I see Thrive Scholars as the model for the modern college access program. No longer is it effective to simply provide scholarship money to bright, low-income students and ask them to navigate alone the transition to college and the academic challenges they face due to inadequate instruction in chronically under-funded schools. We must also address the academic and social capital gaps these students hold through no fault of their own. Thrive Scholars has the solution– intense classroom instruction and college advising two summers prior to college, as well as a college transition program the summer prior to enrollment and early career advice and mentoring.
James Washington Jr.Director of Admission for Strategic Initiatives, Dartmouth College Thrive Scholars reflects the best practices of a “next generation” organization in its organizational structure and student service programs. Thrive Scholars is more forward looking than many through its commitment to help students exceed college access and sustain a laser focus on successful college completion.
Opportunity GapLack of access to the rigorous high school coursework, preparation, and support more privileged students enjoy.
Gap ImpactAverage grades below 3.0 and STEM persistence of less than 25% for underrepresented students.
What We DoOur Summer Academy program provides over 350 hours of college-level instruction targeting math, writing, and critical thinking skills taught by college professors.
Our Impact85%Earn B average or better, compared to less than 50% for similar students3.4Average GPA earned, compared to 2.9 for similar students75%Persist in difficult STEM majors — more than 3X better than the average for low-income students of color50%More likely to earn an A in college calculus than non-participants (who are 60% more likely to get a D or F)
75%Persist in difficult STEM majors — more than 3X better than the average for low-income students of color
50%More likely to earn an A in college calculus than non-participants (who are 60% more likely to get a D or F)
Not only do our scholars outperform students with similar backgrounds, theysignificantly outperformtheir more privileged peers at the same Top 100 Colleges. They are…
Elhadji Amadou ToureM.L. Wisdom High School, Class of 2025 Summer Academy at Thrive Scholars is simply a primordial portion of the program. The ungraded courses I took there not only allowed me to considerably boost the English and Mathematical skills that prepared me for standardized tests and college applications, but it also blessed me with the opportunity to have a second family full of brilliant, underrepresented students and advisers with whom I relate on countless topics and have made unbreakable bonds; bonds that, today, arguably makes our greatest strength!
Muhammad BennaniJosiah Quincy Upper School, Class of 2025 Summer Academy has not only allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the workings of a college-level class but also build meaningful relationships with extraordinarily bright students from across the nation. I am greatly appreciative of having a supportive, tight-knit community to help me realize my potential to excel in college and beyond.
Moises GarciaOlin School of Engineering, Class of 2024 Summer Academy helped me evolve from a great high school student into a strong and knowledgeable college student. I was given the tools to place myself into situations that I otherwise would have been blind to. I left knowing how to reach out to professors for research opportunities, speak to recruiters about internship opportunities, and make connections to others on campus. In my classes, I am consistently more confident in asking for help than my classmates and that has allowed me to build relationships with my professors. I would not be thriving the way I am without Summer Academy.
Tracy NguyenAbraham Lincoln High School, Class of 2021 Summer Academy was the 6-week-long program I never knew I needed. At first, I was hesitant to spend my whole summer in a college writing class. But a week in and I immediately changed my mind. In that class, I learned what it truly meant to write. I learned how to embrace my stories and how to convey my feelings. With the help of my professor and peers, I finished my first personal statement draft before summer ended and emerged as a confident writer. But I also grew so much as a person. Being surrounded by such passionate, inspiring and kind professors and peers gave me confidence in my growth and motivation to continue pursuing my passions in Biology and English. Now, I can proudly say Summer Academy is more than just a program — it's my second family
Opportunity GapMost lack access to a network of college graduates who can share knowledge about the college experience.
Gap ImpactLess than half of high-achieving students of color from low-income communities apply to and graduate from a 4-year college.
What We DoWe provide tailored, one-on-one support throughout college through professional staff as well as peer and volunteer mentors.
Our ImpactOur Scholars Graduate from Top Colleges at Exceptional RatesOur scholars don’t get by, they thrive. With ongoing social and emotional support, our Scholars flourish in college. They navigate difficult coursework and adjust to the different cultural norms of campus life. 98%graduate compared to <50% for similar students
Our Scholars Graduate from Top Colleges at Exceptional RatesOur scholars don’t get by, they thrive. With ongoing social and emotional support, our Scholars flourish in college. They navigate difficult coursework and adjust to the different cultural norms of campus life.
Opportunity GapUnderrepresented students can’t afford college or daily expenses as easily as many of their peers.
What We DoWe advise Scholars toward low-loan and no-loan colleges. And our bridge stipends help Scholars meet costs not covered by financial aid.
Our Impact$7,500Average debt of our Scholars upon graduation — far below similar students who attend less-prestigious colleges
$7,500Average debt of our Scholars upon graduation — far below similar students who attend less-prestigious colleges
Opportunity GapLimited knowledge of post-college career paths, exposure to corporate culture, or a professional network that opens doors.
Gap ImpactOnly 5% of Black and Latino people born into poverty will ever earn a six-figure salary or reach senior leadership positions.
What We DoOur four-year career development curriculum includes two years of intensive, personalized career coaching focusing on hard and soft skills, access to our professional network, and corporate partnerships for internships and jobs.
Our ImpactOur Scholars graduate with great grades in rigorous majors from top colleges — along with two years of intensive career coaching. They show up fully prepared to thrive and rise as corporate, civic, academic, and community leaders. 30%Post graduation, over 30% earn advanced degrees
Our Scholars graduate with great grades in rigorous majors from top colleges — along with two years of intensive career coaching. They show up fully prepared to thrive and rise as corporate, civic, academic, and community leaders.
Year after year, our Scholars earn advanced degrees and get internships and jobs at the best companies and institutions in the world. Our Scholars are leading at every level across society.
CarmenYale University, Class of 2024 Coming from the first-generation, low-income background that Thrive Scholars seeks to aid, I honestly cannot imagine having gone through the college application process without this program. If you were to ask me at the beginning of junior year where I would be going for college I surely wouldn’t have even thought of Yale University. Yet, with Thrive’s irreplaceable help I will be studying at this institution without the fear of finances and doubt disrupting my educational and social experience.
DavidTufts University, Class of 2024 I realized that I was not alone: not alone in my experiences, not alone in my struggles, not alone in once-hazy vision of going to college, and not alone in hoping to make a difference.