Category: 2026 Cohort

The 2026 IRT Cohort – By the Numbers

On May 18th, the IRT welcomed the 36th consecutive IRT Cohort of 104 scholars. 

Despite the current and daunting educational climate in the United States, now, IRT Scholars remain steadfast in their desire to expand scholarship in their respective fields and make lasting changes to our K-12 and collegiate landscapes as diverse individuals and scholars who will push against traditional narratives that are perpetuated in their respective fields.  They are excited about their IRT journey, the reasons they do this work, and the trajectory of their careers.  They share their personal and academic dreams below and ruminate on why they engage in the messy work of education.

  • 29.5% identify as Black/African American
  • 35.5% identify as Hispanic or Latino
  • 22% identify as Asian
  • 14% identify as Native American/Alaskan Native, two or more races, other, and White. 
  • 54% identify as first-generation
  • 52% identify as low-income
  • 38% are first-generation and low income
  • Scholars represent 21 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and 9 countries
  • 54% live in four states including California, New York, Michigan, and Massachusetts
  • 78% are pursuing fields in the humanities and social sciences while 22 % are pursuing fields in education
  • Scholars attend 28 public universities, 32 private colleges/universities, 4 HBCUs, and two international universities. 
Continue reading “The 2026 IRT Cohort – By the Numbers”