Pathways 2022-23 ANNUAL REPORT
to Possibilities
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As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with pride, hope, and excitement for what is possible. Rainier Scholars, the organization that I have the honor of leading, served more students than ever before, deepened programs in new ways, and challenged perspectives on what it means to be bold. First, let’s celebrate the scholars and families we have the joy of supporting, as they are at the heart of everything we do. From our youngest students in Seattle and Tacoma learning how to use microscopes for the first time, middle schoolers captivated by robotics classes on Saturday mornings, high school scholars studying abroad or embracing civic engagement training, and college seniors walking across the big stage earning their college degrees—the opportunities to celebrate are endless. As you will glean from this annual report, our expanded impact came to life this past year! Now serving multiple cohorts across Seattle and Tacoma, we support more than 600 scholars through our comprehensive, 12-year program. And, our collective impact continues to grow, with more than 350 alumni redefining leadership across the country and world. Partnering with families is key to our program’s success. From the newly formed Families in Action group in Seattle to the monthly Community Dinners in Tacoma, we are strengthening community bonds while learning from, and leaning on, one another to deepen engagement. Now, we look to a future filled with possibility. The work of our 5-year Strategic Plan will improve the scholar and family experience, further activate our growing alumni community, and expand our footprint to significantly increase the number of students we serve. These bold goals are moving us beyond the mission of Rainier Scholars so that we can start to realize our vision, “...a just and inclusive society with equitable representation of people of color at all levels of leadership and influence.” It’s an exciting time to be a part of Rainier Scholars. I’m so grateful you’re with us!
With gratitude,
Rafael del Castillo | Executive Director
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A future filled with possibility
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OUR PROGRAM
Twelve years of support Mission 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.
Recruitment
Rainier Scholars focuses its recruitment of underrepresented students of color from six school districts in and around Seattle and Tacoma.
Vision
We envision a just and inclusive society with equitable representation of people of color at all levels of leadership and influence.
Alumni
Our growing alumni community includes young professionals committed to mutual support, networking, and professional development. This groups stays connected through social activities and mentoring younger scholars.
THE SCHOLAR OUR PROGRAM EXPERIENCE 4
Prep and Placement
Academic Counseling
College Counseling
Leadership and Career Development
Fifth graders start with academic on-ramp programming spanning multiple summers, coupled with supplemental classes during the school year. We prepare students for rigorous college preparatory programs in public and independent schools.
Rainier Scholars provides one-on-one support for students and families as they navigate the complex college application and decision-making process. From financial aid guidance, essay review, and admissions coaching, we’re there every step of the way.
Rainier Scholars supports the academic and personal development of students from middle school through college completion. Academic counselors build personal and trusting relationships with scholars and families—meeting regularly, organizing socials, and leading workshops.
We identify and provide access to academic, leadership, and professional development opportunities. Scholars make the most of high school and college internships and skill-building workshops. They leverage opportunities to explore career pathways and build their professional networks.
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OUR PROGRAM
What sets us apart Early Start
Scholars in our program receive long-term support starting in 5th grade and continuing to college completion.
Mental Health Support
Scholars and families are supported by mental health experts throughout the program. The team offers one-on-one student and family counseling sessions and workshops.
Culturally Relevant Curriculum
Our intentional curriculum is designed with an equity lens to help students uphold and honor their cultural identities.
Free to Students & Families
Thanks to the generous commitment of our partners and supporters, our programming is offered at no cost to students and their families.
OUR PROGRAM 6
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TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Collaboration is at the center of movements The work needed to push change forward does not happen with one organization alone. Rainier Scholars partners with mission-aligned organizations and companies to provide unparalleled experiences and wrap-around support for our scholars throughout their journey. The Tacoma Rainiers, Seattle University, and Whitman College are three shining examples of partners that are committed to our mission of educational equity.
Knocking it out of the park
Deep partnerships support the growth and impact of our Tacoma footprint. When our partnership with the Tacoma Rainiers began, it was clear that they were committed to change and innovation in support of the Tacoma community. They were excited by our vision and offered their full support. By brainstorming sports management curriculum ideas, hosting our first Tacoma community event, and welcoming scholars and families to the ballpark, the Tacoma Rainiers have laid the blueprint for transformative partnerships.
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The level of commitment that students, families, and staff make to the program is what makes a partnership with Rainier Scholars so perfect for our organization. It’s about action for the betterment of our community, and that appeals to us more than a purely transactional partnership.” — Aaron Artman, Tacoma Rainiers President
Tacoma Team at Cheney Stadium hosted by The Rainiers
Higher education has the power to shape lives. However, not everyone has equal access to this transformative experience. In a bold and progressive move, Seattle University and Whitman College have each forged a financial partnership with Rainier Scholars to shatter one of the most daunting barriers to college access: the cost. This partnership reflects an unwavering commitment to scholars and empowers their educational journey. Such visionary collaborations give our scholars the freedom to choose colleges based on their academic passions, while minimizing the burden of student debt. This is a game-changing opportunity, creating a brighter future for our scholars.
TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Game-changing financial partnerships
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Leihla, Cohort 10, 2022 College Graduate
AMPLIFYING FAMILY & COMMUNITY VOICE
Nothing for us without us Nothing for us without us is the driving philosophy behind weaving families and communities into the fabric of Rainier Scholars. Last year we integrated family and community voice by launching the Families in Action group in Seattle and establishing the Tacoma Advisory Board.
Tacoma Advisory Board
Throughout the design of Rainier Scholars - Tacoma, we have been intentional about bringing in community voices to create a program reflective of the specific needs of the community. To more formally center that perspective, the Tacoma Advisory Board was developed to provide insight and guidance on program needs and better understand the educational landscape of Tacoma. This non-governing board is comprised of parents, students, and community leaders. The group has been pivotal already, helping Team Tacoma develop new recruitment strategies and authentic ways to connect with community leaders.
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“I believe so much in this model of holistically supporting underserved students and families through college and career, and being a part of the advisory board means changing inequitable systems one student at a time.” — Holly Bamford Hunt, Bamford Foundation
Daniel, Rainier Scholars Tacoma Cohort 2
AMPLIFYING FAMILY & COMMUNITY VOICE
The Families in Action group at Rainier Scholars Annual Luncheon
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Families in Action
Families and scholars are at the heart of everything we do. The Families in Action group was developed to authentically engage families and amplify their ideas and perspectives to make our program stronger. This group provides a network of support for families across cohorts and has already made a meaningful impact.
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Agradezco ser parte de Familias en Accion por que comparto mis ideas y haci mismo escucho la de los demas padres, compartimos experiencias y recursos para como apoyarnos en equipo y en la comunidad y poder tener esa información.” — Rosalba (Rosa) Ramirez, Parent in Cohorts 14, 16, 17 Translation: “I am grateful to be part of Families in Action because I get to share my ideas and I also get to hear from other parents. We share experiences and resources on how to support each other as a team and in the community and gain that information.”
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EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES
Opening the doors to possibility Who am I? What do I want to become? How will I influence the world? After the first phase of our academic program, students are presented with a compass etched with the year they will graduate from college. This physical compass represents an inner compass that will help them reach their goal. At Rainier Scholars, we believe in giving students a variety of career and leadership opportunities that will help them determine who they are and how they want to show up in the world.
Empowering scholars and igniting ambition
Through summer enrichment programs, travel abroad, and professional internships, scholars build their academic and leadership skills. These dynamic experiences broaden their worldview, deepen their understanding of self, and enhance their college and career readiness. Scholars are stretched beyond their comfort zones leading to personal growth. This year, many scholars traveled domestically and internationally for summer educational programs, while others engaged in local opportunities.
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middle school & high school scholars engaged in meaningful summer experiences
Having this experience helped me feel like I can do this, these skills that I’m developing are needed at the table. Having that experience and bringing that to a professional setting (especially with my interest in both Chinese and Computer Science) was really eye-opening and confidence-building.” — Intern at Floop
of 2022-23 high school scholars
were accepted to four-year colleges and universities
EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES
100%
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Creating access
Rainier Scholars offers college admissions coaching to ensure scholars choose a college that is the right fit for their academic aspirations and graduate with little to no debt. With the rapidly evolving landscape of college admissions and financial aid, we help scholars navigate realtime changes to policies and focus on providing them with the broadest view of post-secondary options available. We believe that when scholars find the college that aligns with their values, goals, and passions, they are better positioned to grow and thrive.
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You don’t know what you don’t know. First-generation college students don’t always have all the information they need to make such a large decision as where they will attend college. Academically, they have it, and their profiles are strong. I am trying to expose them to all the college options that are out there and then let them decide which types of institutions are the best fit.” — Delta Lee, Director of College Counseling
Isayas, Cohort 11, 2023 College Graduate
RAINIER SCHOLARS ROADMAP
Pathways of purpose
1,000 hours of educational enrichment during our academic on-ramp program
117 107
students attended leadership development retreats and workshops
professional internships
92% of high school seniors made the most of personalized college counseling
RAINIER SCHOLARS ROADMAP
College destinations 2022-23
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94% of high school graduates attended a four-year college or university
97%
of 2023 college graduates are in full time jobs or enrolled in graduate school programs aligned with their interests
89%
of eligible scholars have graduated, or are on track to graduate, from four-year colleges and universities
STRATEGIC PLAN
Building a bold future Rainier Scholars believes every child can be successful when you start working with kids early, have high expectations, and provide long-term, comprehensive support. Building on more than two decades of success, in 2022 we took a bold step forward and opened Rainier Scholars ‑ Tacoma in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools. But we’re not stopping there! With college enrollment and graduation plummeting nationwide, especially among students of color, Rainier Scholars is responding to accelerating educational inequities with an ambitious Strategic Plan.
STRATEGY 1
Strengthen the Scholar and Family Experience Through the power of data and our decades of success, we will focus on improving the scholar and family experience, leading to greater outcomes for those we serve.
interview implement collect data
test analyze
Gabriel, Cohort 10, 2023 College Graduate
STRATEGY 3
Build a Vibrant Alumni Network
Grow College Success The impact of Rainier Scholars will continue to grow, as we build out our Tacoma program, launch a third program site, and identify a fourth.
We will partner with alumni to assess their needs and learn how we can deepen connections across the alumni community.
alumni in 2023
alumni in 2028
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350 600
STRATEGIC PLAN
STRATEGY 2
634 1,000+ scholars in 2023
scholars in 2028
The Rainier Scholars impact means scholars graduate from college prepared to build economic power and social influence. Their presence and leadership in academic and professional spaces help propel us all toward a just and inclusive society. For information and updates on our strategic plan, please visit:
rainierscholars.org/building-a-bold-future
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
We are community powered! Rainier Scholars would not be possible without a strong community of supporters. We’re deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, partners, and volunteers. We’re excited to introduce Wayne Williams and Snap Inc.—two RS supporters that are all-in for our scholars and families!
Wayne Williams As a Tacoma resident of 35 years, Wayne Williams believes that every young person needs consistent investment from caring adults as they grow. That’s one of the reasons he happily supports the work that Rainier Scholars is doing in the Tacoma community. With decades of experience in organizational development and strategic planning in Pierce County, Wayne was initially drawn to the strong vision and caring spirit of the Rainier Scholars - Tacoma leadership. In addition to their brilliance and intentionality, he appreciates the approach Rainier Scholars is taking to bring young students into a supportive learning environment and walk with the whole family on the path to college graduation. As a donor and a member of the newly launched Tacoma Advisory Board, Wayne is proud to be a part of the Rainier Scholars - Tacoma community!
Snap Inc. jumped headfirst into partnering with us! In just over a year, they’ve prepared care packages for our college scholars, donated graphing calculators for high school scholars, and participated in several career development activities including mock interviews, resume reviews, and career panels. They recently hosted high school and college scholars at their Seattle office where employees shared career opportunities at Snap and what it’s like to work there.
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Snap is grateful to partner with Rainier Scholars given our mutual desire to empower the next generation of leaders. By exposing students to various roles that exist within tech and introducing them to the diverse talent that make up our team, we are demonstrating that they too can be part of Snap one day. Our goal across all of our work is to showcase to learners that there are multiple pathways to success, in both career and life! We admire the bright minds that Rainier Scholars foster and look forward to continuing to grow our partnership into the future.” — Chandelle Wiebe Hakim, Philanthropy Manager, Snap Inc.
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT
Snap Inc.
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FINANCIALS
Investing in growth
We’re proud to report that philanthropic support continued to increase in fiscal year 2023. Thanks to this generosity combined with prudent financial oversight, Rainier Scholars has built a strong reserve balance. Given the expansion into Tacoma and preparation for continued growth, in fiscal year 2023 the Rainier Scholars Board of Trustees invested reserve funds to support the organization’s ambitious growth strategy.
2022-23 Financials* 1.7% Individuals $3,507,805
7.8%
Corporations $1,658,763
9.3%
Foundations $1,632,625
19.5%
41.9%
Investment Income $776,532 Growth Fund $650,000
19.8%
In-Kind & Other $150,505 Total Revenue $8,376,230
Jaqueline, Cohort 11, 2023 College Graduate
FINANCIALS
Total Expenses $8,851,393
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Program Services $6,339,153 4
*Unaudited financial data for fiscal year 2023 (7/1/2022-6/30/2023). Audited financial statements available January 2024.
88% 100%
of our revenue raised was philanthropic
of our resources were devoted to programmatic services and administrative support
Administration $1,408,904
Fundraising $1,103,336
Rainier Scholars Board of Trustees Joe Belfiore, Chair John Birrer, Secretary Nicolette Sharp, Treasurer Pam Harrington, Executive Committee Andy Jassy, Executive Committee Diankha Linear, Executive Committee
Kevin Baker Kristina Ota Belfiore* David Clarke† Zander Doroski Bisrat Gebre Thaddaeus Gregory Patricia Handjaja Rod Jones † Bernie Noe
Laura Orser Sujal Patel Gail Ransom Fred Rivera Mike Rodden § Laura Selipsky § Sarah Smith Robert Strong Bradaigh Wagner *Honorary Trustee † Completed board service in 2023 § Began board service in 2023
Reach out
to learn more and stay engaged
Lenda Nguyen, Seattle Cohort 1 Alumna Kevin Baker, Board Trustee Jennifer Ward, Associate Executive Director, Rainier Scholars - Tacoma
info@rainierscholars.org 206-407-2111
At Rainier Scholars, we take our commitment to students seriously, but we can’t do it alone. We count on your partnership! Whether you can give a little or a lot of your time, talent, or treasure, there’s more than one way to invest in our scholars and families.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Help us make an impact
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Donate Are you ready to make an immediate impact? Each gift to Rainier Scholars directly impacts our scholars and families.
Help make career exploration possible Provide internships and volunteer at events that help scholars learn about career pathways, while building professional skills and networks.
Sponsor our luncheon Align your company’s brand with our mission of educational equity by sponsoring our luncheon, attended by 1,000+ business and community leaders.
Give a college care package Be part of a community that comes together each fall and spring to put together meaningful care packages for our college scholars. A little package of love goes a long way!
Refer a company Make an introduction to a business that could sponsor one of our community-facing events or provide game-changing grant funding. Jasmine, Cohort 10, 2022 College Graduate
NONPROFIT ORG
2100 24th Ave S Suite 360 Seattle, Washington 98144-4646
Will power
You have the power to support scholars today, tomorrow, and for years to come. Make a gift to Rainier Scholars through your will or trust today. rainierscholars.org/donate
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