I’m Shawntia Lee, founder of College Thriver, an AI-powered college and scholarship matching platform designed specifically for first-generation students. As a first-gen graduate myself, I understand the systemic barriers that make navigating higher education confusing, overwhelming, and costly for families without institutional knowledge. College Thriver simplifies this journey. Our proprietary, bias-free algorithm curates personalized college and scholarship matches, helping students find the best-fit opportunities based on academics, financial need, and personal goals. We go beyond access—we empower students to thrive. The U.S. education market is a $400 billion industry, yet millions of students fall through the cracks. Our platform addresses this gap by combining AI, culturally competent advising, and community-based support. We’ve already secured over $150,000 in non-dilutive funding, filed a provisional patent (approved May 2025), and earned recognition from national media and impact organizations. College Thriver is currently partnering with institutions like Bethune-Cookman through the START program, providing us with direct user feedback, real-time testing, and a pipeline to potential customers. This isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement to redefine success for underrepresented students. We’re building equity by design, not by chance.