Program Overview
Empowering single parents to pursue a career and earn a family-sustaining wage
Housing Programs
We offer two housing-related programs for single-parent students in California and Minnesota, each designed to meet different needs: our Stable Housing Cohorts and The Huddle. Through participation in one of these programs, scholars gain access to comprehensive wraparound support, including one-on-one monthly coaching, workshops tailored for single parents, financial empowerment sessions, and—for Stable Housing Cohort participants—a monthly stipend.
Our Programming Model
We have two* ways for scholars to participate in our cohorts based on the varying needs of single parents across California and Minnesota. While participation in our stable housing cohort,and The Huddle is limited to select applicants, ALL single parents across California and Minnesota are welcome to apply for our emergency grants, as well as participate in our monthly workshops and family nights, regardless of their status as an RTB cohort member.
*As of the Fall 2025, our scholarship cohort is no longer accepting new applicants. We are proud of the impact this program has had and will continue to support our existing scholarship cohort. Stay tuned—we’ll be announcing new, related programming soon!
One-on-One Coaching
Our scholars meet with our whole-family coordinators to create goals and develop action plans to achieve them.
Workshops
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, we facilitate monthly development workshops, which focus on three components of tackling poverty: (1) academic and career pathways, (2) financial empowerment, and (3) social capital (i.e. networking and community building).
Emergency Grants
We provide emergency grant funding of up to $1,000 to help stabilize single-parent students in MN and CA who have experienced an unforeseen financial need. These grants, available to applicants in and out of our cohorts described above, assist with unexpected expenses such as car repairs, dental emergencies, or replacement of stolen devices, which can strain a student’s finances and jeopardize their education. Our dedicated social worker guides the application process and assesses the students’ needs, ensuring timely and effective support.
Systems Change
MN Student-Parent Alliance · LA Advocacy
Our systems change work is in direct alignment with our commitment to racial and gender equity in higher education, which creates increased opportunity for economic mobility for historically marginalized communities. RTB engages in policy and advocacy work at the state level in Minnesota with the Office of Higher Education. We are in the pre-planning stages of policy work in the state of California.
“It's really hard to stay positive and keep an upbeat mood when so much has changed in our lives. We have to try to make the best of it. I am appreciative to have the RTB as support. You definitely make a difference!”
-Elecia, MN
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