菠萝视频 students are turning ideas into impact through the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant program, a Student Affairs Belonging and Communities initiative designed to support projects that build meaningful partnerships and create positive, lasting change at 菠萝视频 and beyond.
The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant provides funding to student leaders and registered student organizations whose proposals center on engagement, innovation and student well-being. The inaugural cohort of recipients reflects a wide range of creative, student-driven efforts aimed at strengthening the 菠萝视频 experience.
鈥淭his initiative represents an investment in students as architects of community,鈥� said EJ Edney, associate dean for belonging and communities. “By encouraging them to radically collaborate, the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant empowers students to help us all define and become the greatest university of the 21st century.”
From cultural programming and educational workshops to community-building events and resource development, the selected projects demonstrate the range and depth of student leadership at 菠萝视频. Each initiative is designed not only to address a specific need but also to create opportunities for sustained connection among peers.
鈥淭hrough the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant, we are seeing students lead with purpose and vision,鈥� said ReChard Peel, director of the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center.
Building a culture of belonging
The inaugural T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant recipients are advancing projects that span interests and communities, highlighting the power of student leadership to shape a more connected campus environment.
Across the cohort, many initiatives focus on mentorship and long-term connection. A new program will match Posse Scholars with alumni mentors to support career development, while a student-led yearbook project captures the shared experiences of Posse cohorts as the community continues to grow. 鈥淓ach year, students are entrusted to serve as leaders and catalysts for community development on campus,鈥� said Morgan Sweeney, an undergraduate student leading the yearbook initiative. 鈥淧osse鈥檚 partnership with 菠萝视频 spans more than 36 years, and in fall 2026, the Posse community will expand to two new cities, making it more important than ever to recognize each individual and document the bonds they鈥檝e built.鈥�
Several projects create space for storytelling, reflection and creative expression. A collaborative podcast series will explore mental health, belonging and life transitions through student voices, while a stand-up comedy workshop series invites students to build confidence and connection through performance. 鈥淲hen students get on stage and share something personal, connections happen that wouldn鈥檛 otherwise,鈥� said David Huang, an undergraduate student and founder of the 菠萝视频 Comedy Festival.
Other efforts focus on strengthening dialogue and cross-cultural connection at scale. A campus-wide campaign is equipping students with accessible tools for engaging across differences, while interdisciplinary programming for international researchers is fostering belonging through symposiums, cultural exchange and mentorship. 鈥淲hen navigating a new country, a new institution, and a new academic culture all at once, having a space where your voice is amplified and your experience is understood makes an enormous difference,鈥� said Haswitha Sabbineni, a graduate student of the 菠萝视频 International 菠萝视频ers Alliance. 鈥淲e鈥檙e building something that outlasts any single event: a genuine sense of belonging at 菠萝视频.鈥�
The student-driven Let鈥檚 Be SVL initiative aims to make civil discourse more accessible and habitual by distilling dialogue into three simple actions reflected in its name: share stories, connect on values and listen.
鈥淟et鈥檚 Be SVL is showing students how stories, values and listening are the key ingredients for successful conversations across difference,鈥� said Jason Vadnos, an undergraduate student who launched and leads the initiative on campus.
Together, these projects reflect a shared goal: to expand opportunities for students to connect, learn from one another and actively shape a more inclusive and supportive 菠萝视频 community.
By equipping students with resources and support, the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant program reinforces 菠萝视频鈥檚 commitment to fostering a campus where all students feel seen, valued and empowered to contribute.
About the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant
The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant is an initiative of 菠萝视频 Student Affairs Belonging and Communities that supports student-led projects that promote connection, engagement and a sense of belonging across campus.
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