Project Thrive

Project Thrive offers students the opportunities to reflect on their identities and embrace the unique strengths and assets they possess as first-generation college students throughout the academic year.

About the program

As a Project Thriver, you will attend weekly events designed to offer academic, career, and social support to first-generation college students. Many of these events will feature guest speakers, often staff from various RISD offices and faculty members who will provide valuable insight as to how to best utilize the various resources on campus. In addition, many events will discuss common and timely issues students are currently struggling with throughout their college careers with local artists, alumni, and other outside guests. 
 

Student Advisers

Image of woman with dark hair and glasses

Raymonii Cowan

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Senior

Major: Illustration

Hometown: Long Island, New York

About: Becoming a Project Thrive Advisor has positively shaped my RISD career and life. I enjoy helping other First Gen students navigate their school and life in areas where I can. Making new friends, new opportunities, and seeing my peers win is what Thriving is all about! 

picture of person with hands in front of face

Rowe Park

Pronouns: They/Them

Year: Senior

Major: Illustration

Hometown: Flushing (Queens), New York

About: I love immersing myself in student life, I love meeting new friends! I’m passionate about creating more accessible information for my first-gen peers on this campus.

picture of woman with red hair

Victoria Sgarbi

Pronouns: She/Her

Year:Sophomore

Major: Graphic Design

Hometown: Miami, Florida

About: I am passionate about helping people navigate through the complex nature of college life, especially at a non-traditional school like RISD. First-Gen students deserve the resources and guidance to be as successful as possible, just like everyone else!

Events

For faculty and staff

First-year POP students have the opportunity to connect with a RISD faculty or staff member to build strong connections and have additional support within the larger campus community.

Who can be a mentor?
All RISD faculty and staff are welcome to apply to become a mentor. Have you never been a mentor before? That’s alright. Mentors are invited to developmental/support sessions to help prepare for and sustain a positive mentorship relationship.

What is the commitment?
If paired, mentors commit to:

  • Engagement in training materials and opportunities over the summer (virtual)
  • Mentor and Mentee Meetup
  • Individual meetings with a first-year student as preferred and arranged by the pair 
  • Attendance at mentor development sessions
  • Attendance at closing celebrations

Are you interested in being a mentor?

AY 2025-2026 applications will open in the spring. 

Contact ISE

Photo of Ewing House, yellow house with blue and black sign on it

Hours

8:30 am–4:30 pm (main office)

Contact

41 Waterman St

Providence, RI 02903

Email ise@risd.edu