RTB Cohorts

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 each semester

• Experiencing 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 (coming soon!)

• 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 the California and Minnesota counties where we work: Los Angeles and Orange, California; Hennepin, Dakota, and Ramsey, Minnesota.

A competitive applicant is one who meets all eligibility requirements, has strong personal statements and recommendation, 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!

Yes. This year, we are allowing you to submit your application once you have sent at least one recommendation request through the application platform. However, your application will not be considered complete until we have received the recommendation.

Although only one recommendation is required, we encourage you to ask two people for recommendations to reduce the likelihood that your application is delayed while waiting for a recommendation.

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

The application will close on July 15 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.