Sreymich, LA Scholar AlumPomona College Class of 2020, Bernstein Private Wealth Management Thrive Scholars took a chance on me — a first-gen, low-income Scholar with no network. They have given me the opportunities and resources to be academically and professionally prepared. But most importantly, Thrive Scholars has given me a support system and the confidence to compete alongside the best in the world.
Davidson PattizCOO, Zenith Insurance Company Over the last 10 years, Zenith Insurance Company has sponsored, mentored and provided internships for dozens of Thrive Scholars, a number of whom now are part of our company family as full-time Zenith employees. Thrive Scholars’ intense focus on one-to-one coaching and guidance makes all the difference in helping promising young men and women of color get to where they deserve to be notwithstanding any economic or societal barriers thrown in their way. We are blessed to be part of what Thrive has done, is doing, and will do in the future. It truly is a remarkable organization, whose mission is uniquely suited for our times.
Engage With Our Regional LeadershipMeet the passionate leaders who are driving the success of Thrive Scholars in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Board of Directors
Wilna, Boston Scholar AlumTufts Class of 2018, MPH from Columbia 2020 If I don’t graduate and get the right degree, I will have the passion but not the hard skills and tools I need to help me get where I want to get to. And Thrive Scholars has given me the support I need to make sure I know I can do it. They are another family—it helps to know that there are people, besides my immediate family, that are behind me who want me to do well.
Melissa HaydenCampus Recruiter, Wellington Management Our early career recruiting team at Wellington Management has had a successful track record of hiring scholars from Thrive Scholars for our internship and full-time roles since 2018. The training and mentoring that Thrive provides its scholars is a significant reason why—we’ve found Thrive students to be eager to learn and ready to engage in all aspects of the business and culture of our firm. We look forward to continuing our partnership as Thrive grows nationally!
Engage With Our Regional LeadershipMeet the committed leadership guiding our efforts to triple the number of students we serve in Boston. Boston Board of Directors
KiaraNorthwestern University, Class of 2024 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 College Success Manager have been with me every step of the way. The Thrive community is full of academic excellence and awe-inspiring success stories, which just make me more excited to pursue my own goals. I love my Thrive family for believing in me and pushing me to do my best.
Danny Sharp, PartnerHead of Alternatives, The Client Group Wellington Management Company We wrestle with how to help more kids of color find their way into leadership positions and careers in finance, law, and other corporate professions. 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. We hope other local firms will find ways to get involved and support Thrive in Chicago. Our problems as a City require us to harness the abilities of our most talented youth of color. We need them as much, or more, than they need us.
Engage With Our Regional LeadershipGet to know the regional leadership driving Thrive Scholars Chicago's mission and impact. Chicago Board of Directors
MarshallCleveland Early College at John Hay Campus Howard University, 2024 Coming from a background where there weren’t many people thinking about college at all. Thrive gave me a support system with peers and mentors to help me succeed in not only the college application process but succeeding in college as well.
Walt RosebroughCEO, STERIS Corporation When I first learned about Thrive Scholars, I was impressed with their ability to deliver tangible results. Their approach focuses on finding and supporting high-achieving students of color from lower socio-economic status and supporting them for the last two years in high school and throughout college. The result of this program is more than 1,100 alumni over twenty years - making a difference for tomorrow's leaders. STERIS is pleased to support the opening of a Thrive Scholars Northeast Ohio chapter. Our community can make a difference to these young adults, who would then be on a path to make a difference to our community.
Engage With Our Regional LeadershipLearn about the dedicated leaders who are galvanizing Thrive Scholars' success in Northeast Ohio. Northeast Ohio Board of Directors
AshleyWilliams College, Class of 2026 Being a first-gen from the Bronx, my family always supported me through my studies however they were unfamiliar with the college process and the steps I needed to take. Thrive provided me not only with counselors who knew the process but also a community of people to share my progress with. I thank Thrive for the people it has surrounded me with and the opportunities I have earned through them.
Anna MarcianoVP, Sustainability Zone North America Nestle, GC & Head of Sustainability, Nespresso USA At Nespresso, one of the most significant ways that we support our communities is through collaborations with high-impact organizations such as Thrive Scholars that have proven to make a difference in bridging the educational gap of our nation’s future leaders.
Engage With Our Regional LeadershipMeet the changemakers who are transforming the lives of students through Thrive Scholars in New York. New York Board of Directors
69%identify as students of color– 41% Black/African American, 17% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Two or more races, 4% Asian
YamarizJacksonville 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 NJacksonville 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.
Wanda WillisVice 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 WolfburgPresident & 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.
Hal GarlingHead of Grantmaking at General Motors “General Motors is excited to work with Thrive Scholars and their data driven approach to support youth across the country. With nearly 2,000 students impacted, this programming is inspiring a whole new generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.”
Kayla Roney SmithBallmer Group “Southeast Michigan has many brilliant young people from diverse backgrounds, yet access to opportunities is often inequitable. That’s why Ballmer Group is proud to support Thrive Scholars' expansion in our region. Thrive Scholars provides personalized college advising, academic and social-emotional support, and career development to help students from low-income households excel in college and succeed in high-impact careers. I am excited to engage with these future leaders and support their continued success.”