Contact Us
Email: ThriveScholars@smu.edu
Follow us on Instagram: @LyleThriveScholars
The Thrive Scholars Program is a peer mentorship program in the Lyle School of Engineering that is designed to provide academic and social support for first-year and transfer students who are traditionally underrepresented in the fields of engineering and computer science.
First-year mentees are paired with upper-class peer mentors who provide ongoing, one-on-one support during students’ first year at SMU.
Benefits of participating in the Thrive Scholars Program include:
- Attending events focused on social networking, leadership development, and well-being
- Direct access to personalized academic advising and degree plan development
- Opportunities to engage with faculty outside of the classroom
- Connections to industry experts and diverse SMU alumni
- Priority consideration for on-campus jobs in the Lyle School
Participation in the Thrive Scholars Program involves a one-year commitment, with additional opportunities to attend specialized events and serve as a peer mentor as students progress through their academic careers in the Lyle School.
Meet the Mentors
Cesar Sanchez
Computer Science, Class of 2023
Zaid Benyacoub
Computer Science, Class of 2024
Zeira Galindo
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2023
Fatima Kunwer
Environmental Engineering, Class of 2023
Jordan Mays
Management Science, Class of 2023
Helena White
Environmental Engineering, Class of 2023
Ryan McGhee
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2024
Meet the Leadership Team
Kelyn Rola
Kathy Hubbard
FAQs
Thrive Scholars involves a one-year commitment for first-year mentees. There are additional opportunities to attend specialized events during students’ sophomore years and to serve as a peer mentor as students progress through their academic careers in the Lyle School.
No! Participation is at no cost for student mentees.
First-year and transfer students in the Lyle School of Engineering who identify as a racial/ethnic minority, first-generation, and/or Pell-grant eligible are encouraged to participate in the program. If you are uncertain of your eligibility, please contact ThriveScholars@smu.edu. There is no minimum GPA requirement to participate.
Mentors are upper-class students (juniors and seniors) from a variety of Lyle majors who have a passion for helping their peers succeed.
Mentees meet with their mentor twice per month and meet with the program director once per month.
The program hosts weekly seminars designed to help incoming students thrive. During these hour-long sessions, students have opportunities to engage with their Lyle professors and peers; learn about important college-related topics like financial literacy, stress management and mindsets, and résumé building; and participate in game nights and special-themed activities.