Many low-income and first-generation students have often described their college experience as one of survival.

How can we help students get from survive to thrive? With a generous gift from Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings ’83, Bowdoin created THRIVE—a college-wide initiative for these students that encompasses a range of programming and mentorship.

These programs aim to help students early and often—starting with the transition to college, and continuing through academic advising, peer mentoring, and leadership development. THRIVE draws on best practices for inclusive excellence and fosters innovative curricular and pedagogical approaches to instruction. *

Pedagogical approaches aside, yes: THRIVE is also a place to hang out.

All THRIVE students have 24/7 access to a dedicated space on campus where they study together, socialize, snack, celebrate shared victories, attend workshops, and plan community-building activities.

Programs that are supported by THRIVE include: