THRIVE Program

A place for independent youth

THRIVE is a mutually supportive community that unites independent youth with similar backgrounds at IU Indianapolis. Together, we encourage and share in our learning and growth.

THRIVE is led each year by capable peer leaders who have been a part of THRIVE in their first year and are uniquely prepared to mentor and to guide new members of the community.

By participating in the THRIVE program, you have everything you need to be successful. Here's a snapshot of the things you'll get to experience during your first year of college.

THRIVE is a program and community at IU Indianapolis for independent students. We are here to help independent youth coming to IU Indianapolis thrive as first-year college students. If you plan to come to IU Indianapolis, we want to connect with you, as we are a resource for all independent youth making the transition here. If you are an independent student starting your journey at IU Indianapolis, you could benefit from being part of this uplifting and empowering experience. Apply to THRIVE to get connected to our community of support.

THRIVE is for independent first-year students under the age of 25. You are eligible if you have experienced any of the following:

• Students who have been in foster care—students who are currently in foster care or have been in foster care.
• Students who experience housing insecurity or homelessness—students who face housing challenges can have very different experiences, but still qualify. This could be living with friends or relatives who are not their parent or guardian (or “couch-surfing”); living in an emergency shelter; living in transitional housing programs or group homes; living in a car, park, campground, abandoned building, bus station, or other public place. Any student who does not have fixed, adequate housing qualifies.
• Students who are emancipated or unaccompanied—students who are living on their own independently, having been legally emancipated or not, unaccompanied by an adult, parent, or guardian.
• Students who have had legal guardianship appointed by a court—students are considered independent when a court appoints a guardian who is not their parent.
• Students who are independently caring for dependents or are providing the primary support for their family—students who may or may not have a household with adults present, but they are acting as head of that household and/or providing the primary support for their family, including but not limited to having their own children or raising younger family members.