Read our 2025 Impact Report as we gear up for our 25th anniversary this fall!

Extraordinary talent. Chicago opportunity.

Thrive Scholars helps high-achieving students from low income backgrounds across Chicago succeed at top colleges and build meaningful careers.

Through our comprehensive six-year program, Scholars receive academic preparation, personalized college guidance, ongoing college support, career development, mentorship, and access to a powerful professional network.

Support Scholars from Chicago
Contact our Chicago Executive Director

Expanding opportunity across Chicago.

Thousands of academically qualified Chicago students have the potential to attend highly selective colleges, but too many lack access to the preparation, advising, and professional networks needed to thrive. Thrive Scholars provides long-term support from high school through college graduation and into the beginning of a career.

Average family income
$ 0
Average High School GPA
0
First generation in their families to attend college
0 %

Where Scholars from Chicago go.

Northwestern, UChicago, Harvard, MIT — and campuses across the country. Scholars don’t just get in. They graduate with the record, the internships, and the relationships that turn a degree into a career.

How Thrive Scholars invests in students.

  • College Perparation

    Rigorous academic preparation for highly selective colleges

  • College Success

    Academic guidance, personalized coaching, encouragement, and support throughout college

  • Career Readiness

    Career coaching, mentorship, internships, and professional networks

  • Lifelong Community

    A national community of Scholars, alumni, employers, and supporters

Explore Our Six-Year Program

What Scholars and partners say.

As a first gen, low income student, I was worried about going through the college application process and transitioning to this next stage in my education on my own. However, my Thrive College Access Manager and my College Success Manager have been with me every step of the way … I love my Thrive family for believing in me and pushing me to do my best.

Kiara Kiara Chicago Thrive Scholar | Northwestern University, Class of 2024

Wellington has been a supporter of Thrive Scholars for years and has been impressed by their data-driven programming and results in getting motivated and talented youth of color into great colleges and helping them graduate ready to thrive in companies like Wellington. Wellington is excited to have played a part in bringing Thrive Scholars to Chicago.

Danny Sharp, Partner Danny Sharp, Partner Head of Alternatives, The Client Group Wellington Management Company

Partner with Thrive Scholars Chicago.

Become a Corporate Partner

Chicago companies, foundations, and community leaders can help Scholars turn exceptional potential into long-term success while strengthening the region’s future workforce.

Ways to partner:

  • Make a financial investment through multi-year grants, cohort sponsorships, or unrestricted gifts
  • Engage employees as mentors, speakers, and volunteers
  • Offer internships and early-career opportunities for Scholars
  • Host or sponsor regional programming

Fund a named group of Boston Scholars and follow them from high school to first job. Your company's name travels with them.

Ensemble of students in Thrive Scholar shirts

Regional Leadership

Meet the local leaders helping expand Thrive Scholars’ impact throughout Chicago.

    • Jared Banner avatar

      Jared Banner

      Assistant General Manager, Chicago Cubs

    • Keisha Bryant avatar

      Keisha Bryant

      Vice President, R&D Quality Assurance, AbbVie

    • Pam Chang avatar

      Pam Chang

      Equity Analyst, Citadel Global Equities

    • Todd Giles avatar

      Todd Giles

      Managing Director, Group Head — Food & Consumer and National Industries Team, BMO

    • Leo Harmon avatar

      Leo Harmon

      Managing Director, MetLife Investment Management

    • Michael Henry avatar

      Michael Henry

      Executive Director, Burwood Group

    • Olevia Mitchell avatar

      Olevia Mitchell

      Senior Technology Strategy Manager, Accenture

    • Peter Opoku avatar

      Peter Opoku

      Director of Business Development, Qloo

    • Isabelle Perrault avatar

      Isabelle Perrault

      Managing Director & Director, Americas Institutional Group Midwest, Wellington Management

    • Kunal Shah avatar

      Kunal Shah

      Principal, KPMG

    • Craig Slack avatar

      Craig Slack

      Chief Investment Officer, City of Chicago

    • Michael B. Slade avatar

      Michael B. Slade

      United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Illinois

Chicago Sponsors

Our Chicago program is made possible by corporations and foundations invested in making a difference across the Chicago area.