RTB Cohorts

Are you a single parent pursuing studies in a college, trade, or certification program? Are you seeking support to achieve stable housing? We invite single parents who attend the following colleges to apply for our stable housing cohort.

(Note: space is limited and spots are competitive!)

Stable Housing for Academic Success Cohort: Scholars are enrolled at one of our two-year college partners, with programming designed to stabilize the household and build a strong academic foundation. Annual support includes monthly stipends, personalized coaching, and family-centered resources designed to set up scholars for long-term success.

Cohort Cycle: How It Works

Our cohort program offers holistic, multi-year support to a select group of single-parent students who are working toward college degrees. By partnering with community colleges, we provide a structured pathway that promotes long-term success, supporting students as they work toward their degrees, navigate life as parents, and build stable, thriving futures for their families. 

Career Development Cohort: As cohort members transfer to their desired four-year institutions, they “graduate” to the Career Development Cohort. In this cohort, programming emphasizes career and workforce readiness, professional development, access to internships, network building. Scholars receive an annual stipend

COMING IN 2026: Alumni Advising: In this final phase of the cohort cycle, scholars are invited to share learnings, give input on programming, and offer peer support to new cohort members as alumni advisors.

Services

Core (required) cohort programming:

  • Stipends to support housing, basic needs, and educational expenses

  • One-on-one coaching in the following areas:

    • Financial literacy

    • Academic success 

    • Career readiness 

    • Family wellness

  • Workshops* to help scholars develop skills in financial empowerment, parenting, time management, career readiness, and professional networking.

Additional resources:

  • Emergency Grants* supports single-parent students with up to $1,000 emergency funding for one-time unexpected emergencies such as urgent dental work or travel due to illness of a family member

  • Little Scholars Enrichment* supports extra-curricular pursuits of children living at The Huddle, as well as other children of single-parent students,

  • Office Hours with RTB coordinators to offer guidance

  • Peer mentorship for guidance and community-building

*These programs are also available to eligible single-parent student families who do not participate in our cohorts.

Cohort Cycle FAQ

  • The eligibility requirements for this cohort are as follows:

    • Single parent to at least one dependent under the age of 18.

    • Primary provider of financial support for self and minor dependent(s).

    • Enrollment at one of our partner institutions for at least nine units during the upcoming academic year

    • Housing instability

    • Not yet earned a bachelor’s degree

    • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

    • Ability to commit an average of four hours per month to RTB programming.

    • Attendance at information session

  • During the 2025-2026 academic year, our partner institutions include five colleges in California and two in the Twin Cities:

    • Long Beach City College

    • Los Angeles Valley College

    • Los Angeles Mission College

    • Los Angeles Pierce College

    • American River College

    • Dunwoody College of Technology

    • Minneapolis College

  • This will be considered on a case-by-case basis during the 2025 academic year.

  • We recognize that housing instability is complex and can be difficult to define, as it looks different for everyone. At Raise The Barr, we generally define someone as housing unstable if they lack a safe, stable, and consistent place to live. This may include being at risk of eviction, living in temporary or overcrowded housing , experiencing frequent moves, or being unable to afford housing without sacrificing other basic needs.

  • No, scholars must remain enrolled in an academic institution in California or Minnesota.

  • A competitive applicant is one who meets all eligibility requirements, has strong personal statements and recommendations, and demonstrates a strong interest in actively participating in the cohort programming.

  • Yes, you can apply as a part-time student as long as you are taking 9 units per term.

  • Yes. We welcome single dads to our cohort!

  • No. The application is not complete without one uploaded letter of recommendation. We encourage you to ask two people for recommendations to reduce the likelihood that your application is delayed due to waiting for a recommendation.

  • Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

    The application will close on August 7 or when all available cohort spots are filled, whichever comes first. We encourage you to apply early.

  • Members of RTB’s stable housing cohorts receive a housing stipend.

    Cohort members also attend workshops (some virtual, some in-person) with other cohort members in their region, as well as one-on-one meetings with RTB staff. Participation in cohort programming tends to involve the following time commitment:

    • 1-2 hours a month for check in with a program coordinator/coach 

    • 2-3 hours a month for mandatory programs/workshops/experiences

  • Applicants will be notified by August 15 of their application status.

  • Letters of recommendation must be from references who can speak to the applicant’s leadership, lived experiences, career goals, who may have supervised applicant in a work position; a teacher or instructor; mentor; volunteer work supervisor; clergy member, and/or who can speak to the applicant’s readiness for the cohort. Professional or academic references are preferred but friends and family members may be references.