For many students, the path to completing a degree is not just about academics, it’s about navigating life’s unexpected challenges along the way.
A car repair.
A utility bill that arrives at the wrong moment.
The cost of textbooks or the gas needed to make it to class.
For students already balancing work, family responsibilities, and financial pressure, these everyday expenses can quickly become overwhelming. In some cases, they can mean the difference between continuing school or stepping away before graduation.
The THRIVE Scholarship was recently redesigned with these realities in mind.
Unlike traditional scholarships tied strictly to tuition, THRIVE provides flexible emergency support to students attending Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College, Lake Superior College, and Northwood Technical College. Awards of up to $500 help address urgent financial needs that might otherwise derail a student’s education.
The goal is simple: remove barriers so students can keep moving forward.
In 2025, 10 THRIVE Scholarships were awarded, helping students stay enrolled during moments when unexpected expenses threatened their progress.
Rather than operating on a traditional application timeline, the THRIVE Scholarship offers rolling support throughout the year. Students are nominated by trusted campus partners, such as advisors, counselors, and other staff, who are already working closely with them and understand their circumstances.
“Were modeled the scholarship to increase flexibility and address emergencies in real time,” said Amber Burns, Director of Community Impact and Partnerships at Boreal Waters. “By partnering closely with our local community colleges, we’re able to respond quickly when something unexpected happens and help students stay enrolled.”
Priority is given to students who may be most vulnerable to educational disruption, including first-generation college students, students with dependents, those experiencing housing instability, students with disabilities, and BIPOC students.
For some students, the scholarship arrives during moments of real uncertainty.
One recipient described the support as a turning point during a season of financial hardship
while raising children as a single parent.
“There have been moments in my life where I felt like I was one step away from everything falling apart. Because of Thrive, I was able to keep our utilities on when I didn’t know how I was going to cover the bills. Most importantly, it helped me keep my car—something that may seem simple but is essential to my family’s daily life.”
Reliable transportation meant the ability to continue working, bring children to school and daycare, and stay enrolled in college.
By easing those pressures, the scholarship created space to focus on the future.
“Because of this support I have been able to stay in school and continue working toward finishing my last degree… This scholarship has been a lifeline for my family.”
Other students describe similar moments of relief.
For one recipient, the funding helped cover utility costs during a particularly stressful time, easing the pressure of balancing school and family life.
“As a single parent of two active children, any reduction of stress is welcomed.”
Another student explained how the support helped them simply get to class.
“It helped me with gas and necessary things I needed to go throughout the days so I can continue making it to class. It was extremely helpful.”
For others, the scholarship ensures they have the basic tools needed to succeed academically.
“The Boreal Waters Thrive Scholarship was a huge blessing to me. It covered the cost of my books this semester, which is huge.”
At its heart, the THRIVE Scholarship reflects Boreal Waters’ commitment to opportunity, resilience, and belonging.
When small financial emergencies are addressed quickly, students stay enrolled, continue building skills, and move toward long-term stability for themselves and their families.
Sometimes the most meaningful investments are the ones that arrive exactly when they’re needed.
And sometimes, $500 can change the trajectory of a student’s journey.
Demand for emergency student support continues to grow, and THRIVE funds are often depleted quickly as colleges identify students in urgent need.
A gift today helps ensure that when unexpected challenges arise, students in our region have the support they need to stay enrolled and continue working toward their goals.
Donors who contribute $5,000 or more become a THRIVE Scholarship Partner, helping sustain this flexible support for students across our region.
If you believe in removing barriers so students can continue their education, consider supporting the THRIVE Scholarship Fund.