About the Scholars Program

The Ralph Bunche Scholars Program (RBS) at Los Angeles City College prepares students for transfer and the rigors of academic work at a four-year university.

To Certify in the Program, Students Must:

  • Complete four honors classes (for STEM majors), or five honors classes (for all other majors) and have a minimum of 15 units
  • Earn a 3.3 cumulative GPA or higher
  • Complete an outside public service project (30 hours)
  • Have written a university-level research essay

It is best for Scholars to finish all requirements within two years. Please note that you must take at least one honors class per semester in order to remain in good standing in the program. Upon completion of the requirements, students are certified as Ralph Bunche Scholars. This honor greatly increases a student's chances to be accepted at a competitive 4year university.

RBS offers a rigorous curriculum, seminars, and enrichment activities. Student scholars interact, collaborate, and learn from professors that have been educated in some of the best universities here and abroad.

Additional Benefits of Participating in RBS:

  • Priority consideration for admission to top-tier four-year universities
  • Honors courses designed for RBScholars
  • Collaboration between faculty and Scholars
  • Opportunities for scholarships
  • Participation in a learning community
  • Academic advising from our Honors Counselors
  • Opportunity to present research at annual Honors Research Conference at UC Irvine (Spring) and other conferences
  • Library privileges at UCLA
  • Specialized meetings, get-togethers, trips, seminars

Successful completion of the requirements provides the best pathway for transfer to many of the most competitive colleges and universities in the nation. Scholars are given top priority for admission to major public and private universities. Over the past few years we have successfully placed our scholars at:

  • University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League school)
  • MIT
  • Stanford
  • Columbia University (NY)
  • UC Los Angeles
  • UC Berkeley
  • UC Irvine
  • UC Riverside
  • UC Santa Barbara
  • UC San Diego
  • University of Southern California (USC)
  • Claremont Colleges: Pitzer, Pomona, and Scripps Colleges

Students also become eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an International Honors Society. Many prestigious colleges and universities grant scholarships and aid to our PTK students upon acceptance. Members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply to PTK.

Admission Requirements

High School Seniors Entering as First-Time College Students:

  • Minimum 3.3 GPA (weighted/unweighted GPA)
  • Written essay
  • One letter of recommendation
  • An interview with the Director

Current & Non-Traditional Students:

  • 12 completed units at LACC or other District Campus
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA (weighted/unweighted GPA)
  • Written essay
  • One letter of recommendation from faculty
  • An interview with the Director

Special Admission:

Students may be admitted to the Scholars Program who do not meet the necessary requirements as stated above. These students may exhibit qualities of leadership and potential for academic excellence. Students who believe they may not qualify under the traditional requirements may request special admission by presenting one letter of recommendation, writing an essay, and interviewing with the director.

Contact Us

Office 

SSB 234

Lounge

Franklin Hall 205

Contact

Email: rbscholars@lacitycollege.edu
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2340