Timberwolves Thrive
College brings new opportunities, expectations and challenges. Timberwolves Thrive gives North Central students extra support to build confidence, strengthen college success skills and stay on track toward their goals.
Fall 2026 Success Program
Make the most of your first semester at North Central.
The Timberwolves Thrive Fall Success Program helps first-year students build the skills, connections and habits that support success in college. Throughout the semester, you’ll have opportunities to attend workshops and campus activities, get help through tutoring, connect with North Central faculty and staff, and meet with an assigned Thrive Coach to help you stay on track.
What you’ll do:
To successfully complete the program:
- Complete at least 15 hours of approved activities, such as tutoring, workshops, office hours and advising.
- Meet with your assigned Thrive Coach twice during the semester.
- Successfully complete the Fall 2026 semester.
- Register for and attend the Winter 2027 semester.
An approved list of activities will be provided to participants.
Students who complete the program requirements will be entered to win a variety of prizes, including a MacBook Air.
On Track to College Summer Success Program
Get a head start on college with Timberwolves Thrive: On Track to College, a free, four-week summer program designed to help incoming students prepare for their first semester at North Central.
During the program, students build college-ready skills, explore campus resources and connect with the people who will support them throughout their North Central experience.
What you’ll experience:
- Get comfortable on campus and learn where to go when you need help.
- Build college success skills that will prepare you for your first semester.
- Connect with faculty, staff and other students before classes begin.
- Explore North Central resources designed to support you academically and personally.
Summer 2026 Program
The 2026 On Track to College program was held Aug. 3–28.
Information about future Timberwolves Thrive summer opportunities will be posted here as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any student who is new to college in the Fall of 2025 and has earned a high school diploma or GED. It is also open to returning learners who have been out of school for two or more years.
Yes.
No. Students can be pursuing any degree or certificate.
No. All new students are welcome regardless of the Michigan institution they plan to attend. However, to access NCMC's learning management system, each student will need to apply and be accepted at NCMC. There is no cost to apply. Please note that the laptop is awarded only to students who complete the course, register for fall classes at NCMC, and stay enrolled.
No.
No.
To receive awards, students will have to complete the entire program that includes online assignments.
No. A completed registration form is all that is required. Support from school staff is encouraged to help students to register and to commit to completion.