Ralph Bunche Scholars (Honors)
RBS is a program requiring at least an entire year at LACC, during which students take four or five classes as "honors." Also, there are opportunities for presenting research, as well as access to scholarships. Succeeding in the program greatly increases students' chances at being accepted to elite universities, like UCLA, with which we have a partnership.
Congratulations to Melany Bennett, our 2022 recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship!
We are proud of Melany Bennett who will transfer to Occidental College, Fall 2022, on a full scholarship. The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is very competitive, supporting community college students for 2-3 years with up to $55,000 per year. Congratulations to Melany for receiving this outstanding scholarship! Melany, you earned this!
Our JKC recipients from recent years include:
John Niroula: RBScholar and President’s Scholar; JKC Fall 2016; MIT; currently pursuing a Ph.D. at MIT.
Hannah Gehrels: RBScholar; JKC Fall 2018; B.A. from Columbia U; currently pursuing M.A. at Oxford Colleges, England.
Mariam Alaverdyan: RBScholar and President's Scholar; JKC Fall 2020; currently at Yale, pursuing B.S. in Data Analysis
About the Ralph Bunche Scholars Program
The Los Angeles City College Ralph Bunche Scholars Program provides a comprehensive and diverse educational experience with the purpose of training scholars poised to become leaders in their respective endeavors and careers. There are no easy roads to obtaining a good education, but if you are selected for the program, we encourage you to work hard, challenge yourself, and take every opportunity to broaden your world-view so that you may receive a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
To make our way, we must have firm resolve, persistence, tenacity. We must gear ourselves to work hard all the way. We can never let up.
–Ralph Bunche
Learning Outcomes
All Ralph Bunche Scholars' students will:
- Conduct an in-depth research project utilizing primary and secondary sources and applying critical thinking skills to evaluate and synthesize information to produce a substantial academic and scholarly research project.
- Engage in scholarly and academic dialogue amidst peers at venues such as Honors Research Conferences to foster learning communities and exhibit commitment for intellectual exchanges.
- Transfer successfully to competitive four-year colleges and universities.
Who was Ralph Bunche?
Ralph Bunche (1904-1971) was an American political scientist and diplomat who received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize. The grandson of a former slave, he overcame the obstacles of racism and prejudice with his great intellect.
Ralph Bunche was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Jefferson High School in Los Angeles, graduated summa cum laude from UCLA, and earned his Master and Doctoral degrees from Harvard University.
The LACC honors program is dedicated to him, whose excellent scholarship and positive influence in the world inspire all of us to strive toward our highest potential.
Mission Statement
The Ralph Bunche Scholars Program is committed to meeting the needs of academically motivated and intellectually curious students whose main purpose is to transfer to an elite four-year university or college.
Contact Us
Location
Franklin Hall 205