If you are paying for one of our cohort programs as an individual, we invite you to contribute on a sliding scale that takes into account your financial situation:

1. $200 – $500: if your income is below the living wage for your area and household size, and/or you expect to use the skills you gain mostly in unpaid work that contributes to racial justice

2. $500 – $1500: if your income is above the living wage for your area and household size, and you expect to use the skills you gain in your paid work

3. $1500 – $2500: if your income is above the living wage for your area and household size, and you expect to use the skills you gain to increase your earning potential (e.g. become a stronger candidate for promotion)

4. $2500 – $3500: if your income is at least 2x the living wage for your area and household size, or you have inherited wealth such that you are not dependent on income from work

This is an honor system. No sliding scale can account for all the complexities of our financial lives!

For some people, it might make sense to pay a lower or higher rate than recommended.

For example, if the guidelines put you in range 2, but your income has only recently risen above the living wage and you have significant debt, it might make sense to pay in range 1.

Or, if the guidelines put you in range 2 or 3 and you have access to significant family wealth (even if it’s not technically yours - e.g. your parents would help you buy a house if you asked), consider paying in the next range up.

If you can’t afford $200, contact us about potential discounts and/or trades!