Thrive Scholars Expands 2025 Summer Academies
Thrive Scholars has just announced the launch of its 2025 summer academies, bringing together its largest cohort yet—535 talented high school students from underrepresented communities. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to equip these promising students with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in higher education and beyond.
The academies will take place at five esteemed college campuses across the United States, where students will take part in residential or commuter programs specially designed to prepare them for elite colleges and competitive careers. By focusing on both academic rigor and personal development, the Thrive Scholars program aims to pave a path for economic mobility for its participants.
The Program Structure
The innovative six-year program begins the summer after a student’s junior year and follows them until they graduate from college. During this time, they will receive continuous academic and career development support, mentorship, and personalized advising. For many participants, the average starting salary upon completing their education stands at $78,000—often twice as much as their family income.
Raynise Smith, Chief Program Officer at Thrive Scholars, expressed the organization's commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its scholars, stating, “At a time of unprecedented flux in higher education, Thrive is as committed as ever to our mission.” The program's objective is to help scholars engage in college-level coursework, network with peers and mentors, and cultivate the confidence to thrive in their academic pursuits.
Academic Rigor and Preparation
The comprehensive academic experience offered through Thrive Scholars lasts up to six weeks, where participants learn under the guidance of college professors on actual college campuses. This early exposure allows students to familiarize themselves with the demands of higher education, thereby bolstering their confidence. Over two summers, scholars participate in around 300 hours of intense coursework, covering subjects like college-level math, writing, and essential skills needed for success.
Besides academics, the program includes:
- - Career exploration and planning
- - Selective college advising and admissions preparation
- - Leadership development and socio-emotional learning
- - Mentorship and community-building opportunities
Student Testimonials
Past participants have shared their transformative experiences shaped by the Thrive Academy. Natalie G., a second-year scholar from UCLA, reflected, “Thrive Academy really prepared me for the college application process. I was able to get feedback on my college essay months before applications were due.” Similarly, Evelin J., another thriving scholar, acknowledged the program's impact on her goals, saying, “Thrive had a significant impact on my academic confidence and future goals.”
Program Outcomes
The effectiveness of the Thrive Scholars program shines through impressive statistics:
- - 87% of scholars attend top 100 schools,
- - 81% persist in STEM fields,
- - 33% enroll at Ivy+ institutions,
- - $78,000 is the average starting salary,
- - 90% graduate in four years,
- - 77% job placement rate among the Class of '24.
Justin Wilson, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, praised the partnership with Thrive Scholars, stating, “These students arrive academically ready and eager to contribute to our campus community.”
Schedule of 2025 Academies
The summer programs are set to take place at the following institutions:
- - Amherst College (Residential Academy for Year 1 Scholars): June 22 – July 30
- - University of Chicago (Commuter Academy for Year 1 Scholars): June 30 – August 8
- - University of Miami (Residential Academy for Year 2 Scholars): June 30 – July 25
- - University of Southern California (Commuter Academy for Year 1/Year 2 Scholars): June 23 – August 1
- - Mercy University, Manhattan Campus (Commuter Academy for Year 1/Year 2 Scholars): July 1 – August 15
About Thrive Scholars
Thrive Scholars is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-achieving students from under-resourced communities access to top-tier colleges and meaningful career opportunities. By offering a holistic blend of academic preparation, mentorship, and professional development, Thrive Scholars ensures its participants not only access higher education but also succeed in their chosen fields. To learn more about joining as a mentor, partner, or donor, visit
www.thrivescholars.org.
This significant expansion in 2025 illustrates Thrive Scholars' commitment to fostering a more diverse and equitable educational landscape, one scholar at a time.