ABOUT
The road to college graduation is not an easy one, and that is even more true for students of color, who often face numerous barriers and systemic challenges in their pursuit of education. Founded in 2000, Rainier Scholars is a unique 12-year program designed to ignite the potential of students of color, opening doors, and delivering experiences they may never have thought possible in the greater Seattle and Tacoma communities. Our mission is to cultivate the academic and leadership potential of underrepresented students of color through rigorous, transformative opportunities that increase college graduation rates and empower new generations of leaders.
Who We Serve
We support students most underrepresented on college campuses: Multi-Generational African American, African immigrant, Hispanic/Latinx, first-generation Asian, Pacific Islander and Native American students who have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college degree.
The majority of our students qualify as low-income and many will be the first in their family to earn a college degree.
What Sets Rainier Scholars Apart?
Early Start: Rainier Scholars participants receive long-term support starting in 5th grade and continuing to college graduation and beyond.
Mental Health Support: Scholars and families are supported by mental health experts, including one-on-one counseling and family sessions.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Our intentional curriculum is designed with an equity lens to help students uphold and honor their cultural identities.