Thrive Scholars Expands 2025 Summer Academies Across Five Cities with Largest Cohort Yet
More Than 500 Under-Resourced High Schoolers to Access Free College-Level Learning this Summer
LOS ANGELES, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thrive Scholars today announced the launch of its 2025 summer academies, welcoming its largest-ever cohort of 535 high school students to five college campuses across the United States this summer.
These students, high achievers from under-resourced communities, will participate in residential or commuter programs, designed to prepare them for top colleges and competitive careers, with a clear path toward economic mobility.
Thrive's 6-Year Program begins the summer after 11th grade and continues through college graduation. It provides Scholars with ongoing academic and career development, mentorship, and personalized advising. Scholars who complete the program earn an average starting salary of $78,000, which is often more than double their family's income.
"At a time of unprecedented flux in higher education, Thrive is as committed as ever to our mission while responding to our Scholars' evolving needs and priorities," said Raynise Smith, Chief Program Officer at Thrive Scholars. "Every student will experience college-level coursework, build lasting relationships, and leave with the confidence to thrive in college and beyond."
College-Level Academics in a College Environment
Each Thrive Scholar participates in a comprehensive academic and pre-college experience lasting up to six weeks, taught by college professors on a college campus. The program offers early exposure to the demands of higher education and helps students build confidence in a college setting. Over two summers, Scholars complete about 300 hours of college-level math, writing, and para-academic skill development, intentionally designed to replicate the rigor of top-tier higher education. Students enroll in residential or commuter programs which allow them to build academic stamina, develop strong learning habits, and immerse themselves in the college environment well before freshman year. In addition to academics, Scholars engage in:
- Career exploration and planning
- Selective college advising and admissions preparation
- Leadership development and socio-emotional learning
- Cohort-based mentorship and peer community-building
2025 Scholars: In Their Own Words
"Thrive Academy really prepared me for the college application process," said Natalie G., a second-year Thrive Academies Scholar and rising college first-year at UCLA. "I was able to get feedback on my college essay months before applications were due. I managed to get my dream school, UCLA!"
"Thrive had a significant impact on my academic confidence and future goals," said Evelin J., a second-year Thrive Academies Scholar and rising college first-year at University of California, Irvine. "Thrive Academy helped me shape my college journey, encouraging me to research criminology programs, which ultimately led me to commit to UCI."
A Data-Driven Model That Works: Thrive Scholars' Program Impact
• 87% of Scholars attend top 100 schools | • 81% persistence in STEM fields |
• 33% enrolled at Ivy+ institutions | • $78,000 average starting salary |
• 90% Scholars graduate in four years | • 77% job placement rate (Class of '24) |
"Our partnership with Thrive Scholars reflects our belief that rigorous preparation and exposure are key to student success," said Justin Wilson, Associate Director, Undergraduate Admissions, at Washington University in St. Louis. "These students arrive academically ready and eager to contribute to our campus community."
Thrive Academies Locations and Dates for 2025
- Amherst College: Residential Academy, Year 1 Scholars, June 22 – July 30
- University of Chicago: Commuter Academy, Year 1 Scholars, June 30 – August 8
- University of Miami: Residential Academy, Year 2 Scholars, June 30 – July 25
- University of Southern California: Commuter Academy, Year 1/Year 2 Scholars, June 23 – August 1
- Mercy University, Manhattan Campus: Commuter Academy, Year 1/Year 2 Scholars, July 1 – August 15
About Thrive Scholars
Thrive Scholars is a national nonprofit that provides high-achieving students from under-resourced communities the opportunities they need to thrive at top colleges and in meaningful careers. Through a combination of rigorous academic preparation, expert college advising, personal mentorship, career development, and ongoing support, Thrive's comprehensive 6-Year Program helps Scholars access, persist, and succeed in higher education and the workforce. To learn more about Thrive Scholars or to get involved as a mentor, partner, or donor, visit www.thrivescholars.org.
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SOURCE Thrive Scholars