The cofounder of Thrive Scholars reveals what it takes for exceptional low-income students to reach their full potential—and shares the journeys of extraordinary young people doing just that.
 

With forewords by bestselling author Miles Corwin (And Still We Rise) and Thrive Scholars CEO Drew Martin
 

After an inspiring encounter with gifted students in one of Los Angeles’s poorest neighborhoods, James and Trisha London left with a mission. Determined to support these brilliant teenagers, the Londons created what would eventually become Thrive Scholars, a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for high-achieving, low-income students. 
 

But then James London confronted a hard truth: Simply getting into elite colleges wasn’t enough. Despite enrolling at top schools, Thrive students were still struggling, feeling out of place, and ultimately settling for less than their dreams. To truly unlock the potential of these students, Thrive would have to help them persist in rigorous majors, attain high GPAs, graduate without debt, and secure jobs that propel them toward economic mobility. 
 

From this realization, London developed and tested a program of academic preparation, counseling, and mentorship. In Exceptional Minds, Extraordinary Futures, James London explains how Thrive’s evidence-based approach ensures America’s brightest young people can lead the lives they desire and deserve. 
 

With this guidance, Thrive scholars outperform their peers at the nation’s best colleges. Today, nearly two thousand Thrive alumni have turned that college success into careers in top fields. They are penning scripts at DreamWorks, leading Ivy League research projects, launching satellites from Cape Canaveral, and transforming industries from public health to chocolate farming. Throughout these pages, alumni share their challenges and triumphs, describing how the program’s lifelong support has changed their futures.
 

Exceptional Minds, Extraordinary Futures is more than the story of one innovative nonprofit. It is a call to action for leaders in education and for all Americans who stand to benefit from the contributions of high-achieving, low-income students.