Stable Housing for Academic Success Cohort
Applications are open now!
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled. You must watch the info session about the cohort before applying.
Submit your application as early as possible!
The Stable Housing forAcademic Success Cohort is the first step in Raise The Barr’s five-year cycle of support for single-parent students. In partnership with community colleges in Southern California and the Twin Cities, the Academic Success Cohort is designed to stabilize scholars' housing and basic needs, so that they can concentrate on their education and parenting. This two-year program offers a combination of financial support, personalized coaching, and family-centered resources.
Scholars receive support during the academic year (September through June) to help cover basic needs, reduce stress, and allow families to focus on what matters most: building a better future.
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. Learn more
Additional resources:
Emergency grants* support 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. Learn more
Little Scholars Enrichment Fund* supports extra-curricular pursuits of children living at The Huddle, as well as other children of single-parent students. Learn more
Office hours with RTB coordinators to offer guidance. Learn more
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.
SERVICES PROVIDED:
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must…
Be a single parent to at least one dependent under 18.
Maintain a minimum of 9 credit hours in Fall and Spring semesters.
Provide primary financial support for self and minor dependent(s).
Have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree or trade/tech certification.
Currently have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Be able to commit an average of three hours per month to RTB’s programming.
Currently experience or have experienced housing insecurity within the last six months.
Have completed at least one semester of postsecondary education.
Attend or watch an information session about the cohort.
Former foster youth and single parents aged 18 - 26 are encouraged to apply. Students of all ages are eligible.
Stable Housing for Academic Success Cohort FAQ
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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
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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
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This will be considered on a case-by-case basis during the 2025 academic year.
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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.
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No, scholars must remain enrolled in an academic institution in California or Minnesota.
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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.
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Yes, you can apply as a part-time student as long as you are taking 9 units per term.
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Yes. We welcome single dads to our cohort!
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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.
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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.
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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
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Applicants will be notified by August 15 of their application status.
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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.