In 1999, Bob Hurlbut found himself at a professional crossroads. After years in the private sector, he wanted to do something meaningful, something that could change lives. Through a friend, Bob began working with an organization charged with distributing scholarship funds to low-income families, and he quickly discovered that the educational system was not exactly a level playing field. “As a result, I began to research all sorts of educational initiatives and work with students of color throughout the Seattle-Tacoma area,” Bob recalls. “During this investigative stage, I discovered the book ‘A Hope in the Unseen’ by Ron Suskind.”
That pivotal book about a young man navigating the world of elite education without the preparation or support he needed to thrive, combined with research into a groundbreaking program in New York City called Prep for Prep, sparked an idea that would reshape the educational offerings in Seattle: Rainier Scholars.
The Early Days: A Bold Idea Takes Root
When Bob first pitched the idea of Rainier Scholars, he was met with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. A 12-year program, running from elementary school through college, which focused on elevating talented students of color? It was a radical departure from existing education models, but it struck a chord with community leaders, educators, and potential funders. “The one thing that attracted me to Prep for Prep was its uniqueness. At the time, the thinking around education for students of color was centered on remedial support and Rainier Scholars changed the narrative.”
Still, it was a leap of faith. Without proof of concept, the first parent meetings were filled with tough questions. Knowing he had funding for the first 14 months, Bob aimed to prove Rainiers Scholars was committed, one step at a time. “We were just very, very honest. We explained that if their students got into the program, we would be with them over the next 14 months. Then we continued to build trust, hitting every bar we set for ourselves and being very thorough in our communication with parents,” he explains. “As we progressed, I would start parent meetings asking, ‘How many people here tonight want their child to graduate from college?’ When everybody raised their hands, I’d say, ‘Good. You’re in the right place.’”
Then and Now: The Work Continues
Looking back, witnessing the first cohort of college graduates was triumphant but not surprising. The program had done exactly what it set out to do: Provide the infrastructure, guidance, and opportunities to take students from underrepresented backgrounds and help them access the best education available. Today, Rainier Scholars alums are doctors, educators, engineers, and business leaders. Many have bought homes for their families, changing their lives in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. “Rainier Scholars is not magic. Rainier Scholars is simply the culmination of best practices executed by highly competent team members and promising students.” Bob says. “Done the right way, Rainier Scholars is an example of what the education system could be.”
Celebrating the Past, Investing in the Future
Yet, as we celebrate 25 years of success, the core challenges remain. Access to quality education is still inequitable. The support systems that help students thrive are still essential, even as they are targeted for elimination. The need for Rainier Scholars is just as pressing as it was in 2000, and the mission remains as vital today as it was then.
What started as a vision to create a long-term program that fosters the potential of talented students of color from elementary school through college graduation has become a transformative force for thousands of scholars and families, proving that education isn’t just an obligation but a pathway to generational change. The success of Rainier Scholars proves that when given the right support, students don’t just catch up to their peers — they surpass expectations, break barriers, and redefine what’s possible.