Apply to Become a Ralph Bunche Scholar

About the Ralph Bunche Scholars (RBS) Program

The Ralph Bunche Scholars (RBS) Program at Los Angeles City College prepares students for the rigors of academic work at four-year universities. Students who complete honors coursework build academic skills that increase their ability to transfer successfully into competitive colleges and universities.

Qualifying students are welcome to apply! We encourage applications from highly motivated individuals who are seeking to enrich their college experience with rigorous academic preparation and other opportunities. Students may enter the RBS Program directly out of high school or as a continuing college student who has completed at least 12 units (and no more than 30 units).

To certify in the RBS Program, you are expected to complete 4 honors classes (for STEM majors only), or 5 honors classes (for all other majors) to total at least 15 honors units, earn a minimum of 3.3 GPA or higher, finish 30 hours of community service and turn in a research essay (usually done as part of an honors class). Upon completion of these requirements stated above, students will be certified as Ralph Bunche Scholars and/or TAP certified.

Admission Requirements:

High school seniors entering as first-time college students:

• 3.3 GPA
• Written Essay (see below for prompt)
• One letter of recommendation from teacher or counselor

Continuing/Current college students:

• 3.3 transferable GPA
• Minimum 12 semester units of transferable college coursework completed
• Written Essay
• One letter of recommendation from an LACC faculty member or former instructor

Special Admits:

Students who do not qualify for admission to the program by meeting the traditional requirements but believe they demonstrate evidence of scholarly promise, qualities of leadership, and potential for academic and/or artistic excellence may request special admission status to be admitted. Special admits must also provide a letter of recommendation, a written essay, and interview with the program director.