Thrive Scholars

Together, we can THRIVE.

The Thrive Scholars Program supports Mississippi State students who are navigating college while managing unique life experiences. Thrive is here to help students build community, connect with resources, and stay on track toward graduation. 

We know that every student’s story is different. Whether you are managing college independently, transitioning out of foster care, experiencing food or housing insecurity, grieving the loss of a parent(s), or navigating college without consistent family support, Thrive Scholars is designed to help you! 

Our Students

Our students range from bulldogs who are of an independent status or that have been emancipated to those who are at risk of being homeless. We also serve students who have been in the foster care system, suffered the loss of parents, or lack familial support.

Our Work

We equip our students with several mechanisms of support, including emergency aid, financial literacy, and self advocacy. Additionally, we seek to build community through exploring careers and providing mentorship and behavioral support.

Our Programs

Through programming, THRIVE Scholars are connected with and immersed into the greater campus community. From events like out SNAP Benefits Day and service-learning projects, these students build skills and qualities needed to reach degree completion to create healthy lives in adulthood.

How to join our Community!

Connect Now

Interested in joining our Thrive Program? Here are two ways to join the program: 

You can join the community yourself by clicking the "connect now" button. 

Faculty and Staff can refer a student to the program by clicking here! 

How can the Thrive Scholars program help you thrive?

The Thrive Scholars program is here to help you from admissions through graduation. We work to help discover opportunities for your future. The Thrive Scholars program provides two different pathways of services, which consist of the following: 

Pathway A: Cohort-engaged Thrive Scholars receive support from entry through graduation, including individualized guidance, peer mentoring, professional development, community–building, and career development. This pathway is designed for students who has aged out of foster care, emancipated, or who have a parent(s) deceased. 

Pathway B: This pathway provides rapid, coordinated support for students experiencing food insecurity or housing instability. Students receive timely assistance, academic progress monitoring, resource connections, and continued monthly check-ins until stability is reached

Thrive Scholars Annual Programs & Events:

Being a Thrive Scholar provides you with the opportunity to get involved on campus. Thrive provides the following annual opportunities: 

  • Thrive Kick-off event
  • Monthly Thrive Tuesdays 
  • Life Skills Development sessions 
  • Holiday Social 
  • Service Projects

Financial Resources for Thrive Scholars

Thrive Scholars are encouraged to complete financial aid and scholarship applications each year to maximize opportunities for grants, scholarships and other forms of financial support. These resources may help reduce out of pocket cost and connect students to additional aid while enrolled at Mississippi State University. 

FAFSA Application Completion

The FAFSA is the primary application for federal financial aid, including grants, work study, and student loans. Complete your FAFSA by clicking here!

Mississippi Aid Application

Students are also encouraged to complete the Mississippi Aid Application, also known as MAAPP, each year. This application is used to apply for state financial aid programs through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid. Complete your MAAPP application by clicking here!

FAITH Scholarship

Eligible Thrive Scholars from foster care are encouraged to explore the FAITH Scholarship, which is designed to support eligible Mississippi students with foster care experience under the age of 25. Complete your FAITH scholarship by clicking here!