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

Unleashing potential across Florida’s First Coast.

Thrive Scholars helps high-achieving students from low income communities in Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida 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 Jacksonville
Contact our Jacksonville Executive Director

Expanding opportunity in Northeast Florida.

Nearly half of students in Duval County schools alone come from communities facing economic barriers. Talented students deserve access to the academic preparation, college guidance, and professional networks that can help them reach their full potential. Thrive Scholars provides that sustained support beginning in high school and continuing through college and into a career.

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

Where Northeast Florida Scholars go.

Brown, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Williams — 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.

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 … 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.

Denise N. Denise N. Jacksonville Thrive Scholar

…Thrive Scholar’s unique model is proven to help students from low-income backgrounds … 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.

Wanda Willis Wanda Willis Vice President of Civic Leadership, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

Partner with Thrive Scholars Jacksonville.

Become a Corporate Partner

Jacksonville companies, foundations, and community leaders can unlock education and economic mobility for Northeast Florida’s highest-achieving students from low-income backgrounds. Your investment directly shapes the region’s future workforce and leadership pipeline.

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.

    • Carl Bailey avatar

      Carl Bailey

      Healthcare Actuary and Mentor

    • Emily Bellock avatar

      Emily Bellock

      Senior Director of Community Outreach, PGA TOUR

    • James London avatar

      James London

      Co-founder, Thrive Scholars

    • Patricia London avatar

      Patricia London

      Co-founder, Thrive Scholars

    • Patricia McElroy avatar

      Patricia McElroy

      Senior Vice President, VyStar Credit Union and President, VyStar Foundation

    • Jim O'Leary avatar

      Jim O’Leary

      Chief Executive Officer, Haskell

    • David Sweeney avatar

      David Sweeney

      Chairman of the Board of Directors, RS&H

    • Nina Waters avatar

      Nina Waters

      Immediate Past President, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

    • Travis Williams avatar

      Travis Williams

      President & Chief Executive Officer, LIFT JAX

    • Floyd Willis avatar

      Floyd Willis

      Medical Director, Wilson Scholars Program and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Jacksonville Sponsors

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