While many Ridgefield High School students are focused on the end of the academic year and the excitement of summer, Ridgefield A Better Chance (RABC) is already preparing to welcome a new group of Scholars to our community this fall.
RABC is currently seeking two local families to serve as host families for these exceptional young women. Ridgefield A Better Chance is proud to be affiliated with the national nonprofit A Better Chance, which provides academically talented students—primarily from historically underrepresented and underserved communities—with access to top-tier high school education opportunities. The program is designed to support Scholars in reaching their full potential, preparing them for college and empowering them to become thoughtful and engaged leaders.
What is a RABC Host Family?
The host family program is a cornerstone of the RABC experience. Each Scholar joins the Ridgefield community as a freshman and lives with fellow Scholars in a house supervised by our Resident Director and Resident Academic Director. These students are highly driven and manage demanding academic and extracurricular schedules.
Host families play a vital role in offering emotional and social support. Starting in a Scholar’s freshman year, host families commit to staying connected through at least the sophomore year, with many choosing to continue this meaningful relationship through graduation. Host families provide a home away from home—welcoming Scholars into their lives, offering encouragement, and serving as an extended support system throughout the high school journey.
Scholars in the RABC program spend one weekend and one Sunday per month with their host families. During those visits, families offer meals, transportation to extracurricular activities, and opportunities to relax and connect. Beyond scheduled weekends, many host families also stay engaged between visits—celebrating milestones, attending performances or games, and checking in with a supportive call or message.
What Makes a Great Host Family?
Be able to offer a private space for the Scholar (ideally a bedroom of her own)
Provide transportation to and from events on host weekends (some RHS events may run late on weekends)
Reside in or near Ridgefield, to help foster deeper community connections
Support and believe in RABC’s mission, and recognize the tremendous value and perspective these young women bring to the Ridgefield community
Becoming a host family is a deeply rewarding way to make a lasting impact. You don’t just support a Scholar—you gain a meaningful relationship, expand your family’s perspective, and contribute to a more inclusive and connected Ridgefield.
What do our host families say?
From Tyler, a host Mom: “We are young empty nesters who raised sons. Hosting two RABC scholar
daughters has enriched our lives. We are experiencing teen girls which means getting prom dresses altered, pre-prom photos, and hosting a sweet 16 birthday party. Mentoring young women who are working hard on both their education and growing up in a complex world is an important job. It’s nice to have our house busy a few times a month with teenagers!”
From Molly, a host sister:” “My family is currently in our second year as a host family for a young woman
in the Ridgefield A Better Chance (RABC) program. I have grown very close to my host sister and feel so
lucky to have her in my life, especially since my two older siblings are in college. I love having someone to hang out with and share our family traditions with. We help each other see the world from a new
perspective.”
What’s next? If this sounds like an opportunity for your family, please click here and complete our Host family application. We will be in touch soon.