LEADERSHIP AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
6th grade through college graduation
We help open doors to the future
We develop potential and create access to leadership and career opportunities. Middle school students participate in workshops that foster skill-building, leadership development and cultural identity and resiliency, as well as field trips focused on career exploration and summer enrichment opportunities. High school students participate in leadership development retreats and workshops, focused on important civic and societal issues. High school and college scholars receive summer internship opportunities, personalized career counseling, opportunities for career exploration and professional mentorship.
Leadership retreats and workshops
In these retreats and workshops, we explore a range of topics, including effective and ethical leadership using seminar-style discussions, role plays and simulations. Retreat themes include:
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- Social contracts
- Systemic discrimination
- Equity in education
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Internships
From July to August each summer, our high school and college students can increase their skills for professional workplace success by participating in Rainier Scholars Summer Internship Programs. During their 6 to 12-week internships, students work in professional settings with a dedicated mentor, and gain experience and connections within their fields of career interest.
Hallmarks of Rainier Scholars’ Internship Program:
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- We conduct in-depth applicant screenings to ensure strong candidates (90% of our interns receive evaluations of 8 or higher on a 10-point scale)
- We’ve facilitated over 750 successful internship placements since our internship program’s inception 12 years ago
- We work with students and placements to identify ideal intern matches, without any placement fees
- We conduct annual site visits and provide wrap around support to both student interns and placement supervisors
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Rainier Scholars’ Internship Program also provides wrap-around support to participating scholars, including:
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- Internship Prep Workshops that incorporate professionalism, networking, interviewing basics and applied workplace skills
- Utilizing LinkedIn and other online career development tools
- Support crafting resumes and cover letters
- Mock interviews and resume reviews by program partners
- Site visits to check in with both students and internships hosts
- Access to internship placements designated specifically for Rainier Scholars
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