History & Philosophy
We advance equity in education with a proven model for student success.
Our History
Inspired by A Hope in the Unseen and modeled after the Prep for Prep program in New York City, Rainier Scholars was founded by Bob Hurlbut in 2000 on the belief that all students deserve an equal opportunity to excel academically and become thriving community and workplace 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.
Approximately 90% of our program participants are from families who qualify as low-income.
90% of our program participants are from households without a four-year college degree.
Our Philosophy
We select students who demonstrate curiosity, motivation and strong family support.
We cultivate a growth-mindset.
We celebrate achievement.
We reinforce cultural identity, empower resilience and encourage personal development.
“The trajectory of my mom’s and my life changed the day that I ran home with a big letter from Rainier Scholars.”
“I’ve had opportunities that I had never thought possible or even imagined.”
Winson, Cohort 3
Middlebury College ’16
Sister Pie, Detroit
Get Involved
Help us open up a world of possibilities for our scholars.
Make a Gift
Every gift helps fund our scholars on a life-changing journey from 5th grade through college graduation.