More Than a Summer Program
Every Thrive Scholar begins their journey with Summer Academy — a six-week immersive experience where students don’t just learn about college life, they practice it.
Hosted at leading universities across the country, Summer Academy combines rigorous academics, mentorship, and community, giving Scholars real practice with the skills and habits they’ll need to thrive — before they ever set foot on campus as freshmen.
Why Summer Academy?
Summer Academy is where the Thrive journey truly begins.
Scholars live on or commute to a college campus, take challenging classes, and work closely with professors and advisors — practicing the everyday realities of college life rather than just hearing about them. Along the way, they sharpen academic skills, build confidence, and start forming the support network that will carry them through their six-year Thrive journey.
By the end of the summer, Scholars leave having experienced what college will ask of them and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Four regions.
One Thrive community.
Wherever a Scholar calls home, Summer Academy meets them there.
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Thrive Los Angeles
Where Thrive Began.
Founded in Los Angeles more than 20 years ago, Thrive Scholars continues to serve ambitious students throughout Southern California. Summer Academy in Los Angeles introduces Scholars to the expectations of college while connecting them with a strong network of mentors, alumni, and professionals.
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Thrive New York City
A Metropolis of Opportunity.
Serving Scholars across New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area, the New York Summer Academy combines rigorous academics with access to one of the nation’s most dynamic professional communities. Students gain the confidence, preparation, and support needed to pursue opportunities at top colleges and beyond.
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Thrive Chicago
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Chicago Summer Academy brings together talented students from Chicago-land to prepare for success at the nation’s most selective colleges. Through academics, mentorship, and collaboration, Scholars develop the skills and relationships that will support them throughout college and into their careers.
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Thrive USA
A National Community.
If you don’t live in one of the above Thrive locations, don’t worry! Thrive USA serves students from across the country, connecting Scholars through shared ambition, academic excellence, and a lifelong community of peers, mentors, and alumni. No matter where Scholars begin, they become part of one national network dedicated to helping each other succeed.
What You’ll Experience
- Experience a college campus
- Build study habits and leadership skills
- Take rigorous coursework taught by college level instructors
- Connect with mentors and Thrive staff
- Strengthen writing, math, and critical thinking skills
- Prepare for the college admissions process
- Form lifelong friendships with fellow Scholars