Project THRIVE
Project THRIVE is an experiential learning program that fosters a vibrant community of students developing into the next generation of successful industry professionals.
Join a community of excellence where you can thrive.
We are now accepting applications! Please review the eligibility criteria below before submitting your application.
Application Deadline: July 14, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
Students successfully admitted into Fisher FIRST can bypass the Project THRIVE application.
Eligibility
Project THRIVE is open to high-achieving undergraduate students at Fisher College of Business who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, and community impact. Ideal candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to engagement, integrity, and excellence, and are eager to uphold the core values embedded in our THRIVE ethos.
Applicants must:
- Be a current, full-time undergraduate student at Fisher College of Business
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Be actively involved on campus or in their community
- Exhibit a desire to lead, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the cohort
- Have availability to complete the required survey course (Wednesday afternoon or evening, Friday late-morning to early afternoon)
We welcome students from all backgrounds and seek those who celebrate and embrace differences.
Who We Are
Project THRIVE is a four-year comprehensive program that combines classroom curriculum with co-curricular opportunities to foster a more inclusive and thriving community of students that includes those who are first generation to attend college, those who are economically underprivileged, and those who bring different life experiences. While this program originated within the Accounting & MIS department, it seeks to expand to all business disciplines.
Our Ethos
Through our program, we aim to equip and empower our students to:
- Transcend fear.
- Harness the power of knowledge.
- Raise the standard.
- Invest time wisely.
- Value others.
- Embrace excellence.
Project THRIVE combines rigorous classroom curriculum with experiential learning opportunities to provide tomorrow’s accounting, finance, management information systems, and marketing leaders with the skills, perspectives, and experiences necessary to succeed at Fisher and beyond.
Our Team
Cynthia Turner, PhD
Founding Director | Project THRIVE Accounting & MIS
Chad Zipfel
Co-Director | Project THRIVE Finance
Steve Salopek
Co-Director | Project THRIVE Finance
Kay Smith
Program Manager | Project THRIVE
Components of the Project THRIVE Program
Access to a Powerful Network
Join a thriving community of peers, alumni, and professionals across Project THRIVE and the Fisher College of Business who are committed to your success.
Peer Scholar Cohort
Belong to a close-knit group of driven students who are equally committed to growth, excellence, and mutual support.
Professional Relationship Building
Participate in events and mentorship experiences that help you build and maintain relationships with executives, alumni, and corporate partners.
Personal and Professional Development with Industry Integration
Through a 1.5 credit-hour survey course, Project THRIVE Scholars participate in tailored academic sessions and cohort-wide programming that blend classroom learning with real-world insight. Students engage directly with Fisher faculty and corporate executives, recruiters, and industry leaders to build business acumen, explore career paths, and discuss topics like personal finance, wellness, and effective leadership.
Industry-Relevant Business Knowledge
Gain exposure to the language, tools, and trends that drive today’s business world—bridging the classroom with the boardroom.
Personal Brand Development
Strengthen your ability to confidently communicate your story, values, and strengths in both personal and professional settings.
Internship Preparation & Support
Receive guidance and mentorship in identifying, applying for, and securing meaningful internship opportunities that align with your aspirations.
Exclusive Perks for Committed Scholars
Project THRIVE offers additional benefits to students who demonstrate strong engagement and commitment throughout the program. These may include tailored business suits, access to scholarships, and other unique opportunities designed to support your academic and professional experience.
We thank all our Project THRIVE sponsors for their ongoing support!
Project THRIVE builds on Fisher’s longstanding reputation as a destination for accounting and finance education and is supported by key industry leaders.
