Rainier Scholars - where hope and hard work meet access and opportunity

Our Mission & Vision

Rainier Scholars cultivates 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.

We envision a just and inclusive society with equitable representation of people of color at all levels of leadership and influence.

History & Philosophy

We increase college access and graduation rates.

We develop the next generation of diverse leaders.

We build foundations of critical thinking, resilience and belonging.

A History of Student Success

We have seen over 950 lives transformed to date, with approximately 100 new scholars added to our program each year (includes Seattle and Tacoma program sites).

of scholars are on college prep pathways

Includes independent, parochial and boarding schools, as well as public school highly capable/advanced learning opportunities

of High School seniors have been accepted to 4-year colleges and universities

Compared to the national four-year college acceptance rate of 67%

Note: This reflects the average school selectivity rate. Source: 2019 State of College Admissions, National Association for College Admissions Counseling

of eligible scholars have graduated or are on track to graduate from 4-year colleges or universities

Compared to the national graduation rate of 65%.

Source: 2020 National Center for Education Statistics

News & Events

Thank you for joining us at the 2023 Luncheon!

Thank you for joining us at the Annual Rainier Scholars Luncheon! We gathered as a community to celebrate the bold moves scholars and alumni are taking. Thank you to all who joined us in support of the vision of a just and equitable future.

Impact Report 2021-22: Investing in the Future

We are proud to share our 2021-2022 Impact Report with you. It takes a community moving in lockstep to provide equitable access and opportunity to our scholars and families. Thanks to your partnership, we successfully launched Rainier Scholars – Tacoma, and are growing to serve more scholars and expand our impact.