Rainier Scholars is a long-term academic and leadership enrichment program committed to cultivating the academic potential of talented and motivated young people of color.
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Academic achievement is emphasized – By committing to pursuing their academic achievement, our scholars engage in the program over eleven years in order to access the full range of educational opportunities and resources we offer.
Social and emotional health is essential – We recognize that students need to be socially and emotionally healthy in order to achieve academically, and we seek to support students holistically through a variety of activities and interventions.
Leadership is an ultimate goal – By creating more access to opportunities and networks, academic achievement is the path that our scholars take towards becoming effective leaders in their communities, the Puget Sound area and the nation.
Service to communities is valued – We strongly encourage our scholars to recognize and use their talents and gifts nurtured by the experiences and access they receive to give back to their communities in a variety of ways.
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| Cohort VI scholars at the Rites of Passage Ceremony |
Rainier Scholars is now serving 320 students and families in the 2008-09 school year with our oldest students in Cohort I entering their senior year in high school. In September Cohort VI completed the 14 month phase, celebrating with a “Rites of Passage” Ceremony at Seattle University.
In June 2008 we welcomed Cohort VII as they began their eleven year educational journey with Rainier Scholars. We are currently recruiting for Cohort VIII.
As the program grows, so must the staff!
Please welcome the newest members of the Rainier Scholars team.
Doug Moon, a graduate of WSU in Comparative Ethnic Studies, joins the RS team as an academic counselor. Judy Corpuz, graduate of Seattle University, joins the RS team as an academic counselor. Sativah Jones, a graduate of WSU in Comparative Ethnic Studies with a minor in Sociology, joins the RS team as an academic counselor. Cat Friedman rejoins Rainier Scholars as Communication and Events Manager. Cat is a graduate of the UW with a degree in Intellectual History.
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| Sarah Smith at Rites of Passage 2008 |
Rainier Scholars has a new Associate Executive Director
Sarah Smith has been promoted to the position of Associate Executive Director of Rainier Scholars. Ms. Smith was the first employee hired by the Rainier Scholars founder, and has been with the organization from its inception seven years ago in the role of Academic Director. She has played a critical role in making our vision and mission a reality in the Seattle community. We congratulate her and look forward to the amazing contributions she will make in her new role!
Click here to read an interview with Sarah about the past seven years as academic director.
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| Advisor and advisee |
During this past year, Rainier Scholars has been able to hire our own scholars to serve in the student advisor role in the 14 month Academic Enrichment phase. Advisors work one-on-one with scholars to help build skills for academic success
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Recent rainier Scholars NewslettersLearn more about the students, families, staff and community partners of Rainier Scholars. |
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Rainier scholars videoProduced for last year’s Fundraising Luncheon by Spygirl Productions, the video features three Rainier Scholars speaking about their hopes and dreams and the impact Rainier Scholars has had on their lives already. View it here. |