The Thrive in Joy Collective

Inspired by Nick’s character strengths, students in the Collective collaborate to create change on their campus and in their community.

  • Gratitude

  • Honesty

  • Humility

  • Humor

  • Kindness

  • Love

  • Perseverance

  • Perspective

  • Spirituality

  • Teamwork

  • Zest

The Thrive in Joy Collective is an innovative, inclusive, peer-led after-school program for high school students from low-income communities focused on character, community, college, and careers. First-generation college students provide mentorship within programming that enhances social connection among participants. Students engage with business and community leaders and collaborate to create change on their campus and in their community. The program launched in 2015 as the three-part C11 Strength of Character workshop series. Since 2021, the program has evolved into the yearlong Collective, which has expanded to six Los Angeles Title I high school campuses impacting over 5,200 students, educators, and community members. The C11 Strength of Character workshop program has also been piloted internationally in the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and India.

Challenges Facing High School Students from Low-Income Communities and How Thrive in Joy’s Collective Makes a Difference

  • Limited funding for enrichment

    The Collective brings character development, leadership training, and service learning directly into schools.

  • Limited personal development opportunities

    The Collective integrates self-discovery activities and reflective exercises centered on Values in Action’s 24 character strengths (viacharacter.org).

  • Leadership limited to student government

    The Collective offers inclusive leadership opportunities through event planning and hosting, community service, and team-building activities.

  • Scarcity of entrepreneurial experiences

    The Collective engages students in projects that encourage creative problem-solving, initiative, and entrepreneurial thinking.

  • Character strength awareness

    The Collective empowers students to facilitate the C11 three-part workshop series to their peers, making volunteerism accessible for all students and expanding program impact beyond the school bell.

  • Transportation and scheduling barriers

    The Collective programming takes place on campus, eliminating students’ logistical obstacles to obtaining leadership experience.

  • Limited exposure to career paths

    Guest speakers, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement through the Collective broaden students’ vision for future possibilities.

  • Low confidence and fear of failure

    The Collective fosters a safe, supportive environment where students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, which they model to their peers beyond the Collective.

  • Stress and mental health challenges

    The Collective acknowledges the mental health challenges facing teens and cultivates opportunities to affirm support for emotional well-being and stress management.

Students’ Entrepreneurial Social Impact Projects

2024 “Talk About It” with Danny Trejo at Dr. Olga Mohan High School

2024 “Balanced Minds” in Nagua, DR

2024 “S.A.F.E.” at USC Hybrid High

Our Partner Schools

Los Angeles:

The logo of East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy (ELARA), a Thrive in Joy C11 Stength of Character partner school

International:

Thrive in Joy Collective Current and Past Funding Partners

Take the Values in Action® Character Survey

The C11 three-part workshop as part of Thrive in Joy’s Collective aligns with the 24 character traits set out by the Values in Action Institute on Character®. 

Survey