Richmond City’s Education and Human Services Standing Committee is making strides in community support with the launch of a new cohort program aimed at providing financial assistance to families. The initiative, which began on May 26, 2025, has already attracted 880 qualified applicants, signaling strong community interest.

During the meeting, officials discussed the program's administrative costs, revealing a significant development: the partnership with UpTogether, the program's administrator, will not only cover the $50,000 administrative cost but also return an additional $10,000 to the city. This means that the program can operate without overhead costs, allowing for more funds to be directed towards participant services.

The cohort will provide $500 per month to selected families over a two-year period. To ensure fairness in the selection process, a lottery system will be implemented, with oversight from Virginia Commonwealth University’s research institute on social equity. The application period will remain open through June, after which the lottery will determine the participants.

Committee members expressed enthusiasm about the program's potential impact and the innovative funding structure that allows for greater community support. The next steps include finalizing participant selection and reporting demographic data to the council to track engagement across different districts.

This initiative not only highlights Richmond's commitment to social equity but also showcases a successful collaboration with UpTogether, which has previously administered similar cohorts. The committee's proactive approach in addressing administrative costs and ensuring a fair selection process reflects a dedication to transparency and community involvement.