“Thrive Scholars Changed My Life.”
"Thrive Scholars completely changed my life."
These words, spoken by a first-year Harvard student and Thrive Scholar, are more than just a testimonial—they’re a testament to resilience, opportunity, and the power of community.
If you remember the Boston Globe's Valedictorian Project from 2019, you know the harsh reality: even the brightest students from low-income backgrounds struggle to achieve the futures most of us would expect. In fact, the Globe found that 1 in 4 failed to get a bachelor’s within 6 years, and none of those who wanted to become doctors (almost 25%) received a medical degree.
But in the ecosystem, Thrive Scholars was already ahead of the curve—working tirelessly to ensure that high-achieving, first-generation, low-income students don’t just get into top-tier colleges but thrive once they’re there.
The results are undeniable. But in today's climate—where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under attack—organizations like Thrive are navigating a landscape filled with fear, confusion, and pushback.
Just this week, 27 South Strategies hosted a critical panel discussion at the Massachusetts State House, bringing together thought leaders to confront this growing backlash and explore how the ecosystem is adapting.
Let’s set the record straight: Thrive Scholars is not a race-based organization. As CEO Drew Martin put it at the briefing:
“We do not, as an institution, prefer one race over the other. But the students we serve look the way they do because … in the United States, if you are first-generation and low-income, you are likely to have pigment in your skin tone. That’s just how this stuff plays out.”
Yet, despite Thrive’s mission being rooted in economic mobility and academic excellence, the recent January Executive Order on DEI has cast a shadow of uncertainty over higher education, philanthropy, and corporate America. The fear is bubbling up on college campuses around the country:
Can college campuses still have Black Student Associations?
Are Jewish Student Unions allowed to exist?
Will services specifically supporting LGBTQ+ students be at risk?
And the concerns don’t stop at the university gates. Businesses and philanthropic organizations face a stark reality:
Will companies receiving federal grants still support nonprofits that uplift underrepresented communities?
Will donors pull back out of fear of political retribution?
Will nonprofits alter their missions?
Thrive CEO Drew Martin put it bluntly:
“We are at risk right now. We’re at risk of losing funding. If we don’t have funding, then we can’t support our scholars.”
Now, let’s return to that Harvard freshman who said Thrive changed his life. His story is one of triumph over tragedy. He lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his older siblings. Against all odds, he became only the fourth student in his Massachusetts high school’s history to be accepted into Harvard. His dream? To become a Supreme Court Justice—following in the footsteps of Harvard alum Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Thrive Scholars is giving him the rigorous academic training, mentorship, and support to turn that dream into reality.
But here’s the good news: Even in the face of this backlash, there is hope.
Here in Massachusetts, many policymakers understand that DEI isn’t just about fairness—it’s about strength and competitiveness.
As Senator Brendan Crighton put it:
“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are all things that make us stronger … and more competitive.”
At 27 South Strategies, we are proud to stand alongside House and Senate leaders, advocating for our clients like Thrive Scholars.
To learn more, read the State House News Coverage of this great event, including the quotes used in this post :Nonprofit navigates shifting DEI landscape
