Introduction
Dear Families,
Many parents hope to see their children graduate from college, but it is not always clear what you need to do to get there. We know the path to college graduation isn’t always straightforward and navigating it successfully can be daunting.
But don’t worry! That’s where Rainier Scholars comes in. Our program is a rigorous college preparation and success program designed to support your child’s social-emotional wellbeing alongside academic excellence to help them succeed in the most competitive academic programs available.
Throughout this 12-year journey, you and your child will have access to the highest quality teachers, the support of a cohort community of highly motivated and hardworking peers, student advisors, and academic advisors to guide and advise them to toward achieving their goal. Your child will also receive individualized college counseling, leadership training, internship opportunities, and much more. Rainier Scholars has often been described as an extended family, one with a proven strategy for ensuring academic success!
Throughout this booklet we will outline our program, what sets us apart, the application process and important dates. After attending a Family Information Meeting and hearing from families and scholars in our program, you get to decide if this program is the right fit for you and your child. The families in our program that fully embrace all that Rainier Scholars has to offer often find that our program opens doors and opportunities beyond their wildest dreams!
Thank you for supporting your child’s future. We are eager to recruit Cohort 25 for Rainier Scholars.
Sincerely,
Rachel Tolano
Rachel Tolano Director of Recruitment & Community Engagement
Who We Are
Rainier Scholars is currently in its 25th year of operation. Founded by Bob Hurlbut and based on New York City’s successful Prep for Prep model, Rainier Scholars is the only comprehensive, long-term college prep program for students of color in the Seattle metro area.
Our Values
Our 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.
Our Vision
We envision a just and inclusive society with equitable representation of people of color at all levels of leadership and influence.
Rainier Scholars currently serves around 670 students from 5th grade to college graduation.
We serve students of color who have the highest number of barriers to achieving a college education and are historically underrepresented on college campuses.
Nationally, the least represented groups on college campuses by race/ethnicity are: Multigenerational African American, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latine, and Southeast Asian.
Many of our students come from homes where they would be the first to attend college.
Many of our students are low-income.
What We Do
The 14-month Academic Enrichment phase is designed specifically to support high achieving students of color with the full awareness of the challenges that overcoming systemic barriers entails. Rainier Scholars are powerful academically, they are resilient, they know where they come from as well as where they are going, and they are practiced in the pursuit of excellence in all the settings that they navigate.
Our work focuses on four core areas of development:
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Scholars work approximately 1-3 grades above their current grade level, gaining exposure to advanced level content that they will find in college prep settings while developing the skills necessary to master that content.
CULTURAL IDENTITY
Successful scholars value who they are and have pride in where they come from. This self-awareness and sense of belonging is critical as students venture forth into settings where they may be one of only a few persons of color.
RESILIENCY
Success isn’t just about trying hard. Scholars need a clear understanding of the barriers they might face as high achieving students of color, while possessing the confidence that they have the talent, tools, and resources to overcome those barriers.
SCHOLARLY ENGAGEMENT
Much of the work of the 14-months is focused on teaching scholars how to “do school” well. In addition to learning the ins and outs of middle school life, scholars will learn to manage their time, stay organized, be responsible for their learning, advocate for themselves with their teachers, work effectively in groups, and give their best effort.
ACADEMIC
CULTURAL IDENTITY
RESILIENCY
SCHOLARLY ENGAGEMENT
A Note to Students
Rainier Scholars is for students who love school and are ready for a challenge. Our scholars have fun, make lifelong friends, and say that the 14-month phase is the hardest thing that they have ever done. Once they finish, they know that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. If you are interested in this opportunity, you owe it to yourself to apply and do your best, even if you risk not getting in.
Before you begin the process, we want to make sure you understand a little more about it.
1. The Rainier Scholars Recruitment Process is competitive. Many students take the test for the first round of the admissions process, and only 64 of those students will be admitted to the program. It’s like a great job that pays really well. 15 people apply for one job, and even though several of them could do the job really well, only one of them can be hired.
2. If you think that Rainier Scholars might be a good opportunity for you, it is okay to say so, even though you might not be sure that you will be accepted. It is a good risk to take; you can’t ever win if you don’t play! Some kids might not be sure that they want to do Rainier Scholars, so they don’t try their best on the test and can say later on, “I didn’t really care.” This is a waste of time because you’ll never know what you were really capable of, and neither will we!
3. Many students want to know how they should prepare for the test. The answer is to get a good night’s sleep, come to your testing session ready to listen carefully to directions and work quickly and carefully.
4. No one “fails” the test. You haven’t studied with Rainier Scholars, and you aren’t being tested on what you’ve studied, so how could you fail? Don’t waste your time worrying about failing— that’s not how it works!
5. We don’t just take the kids who get the best scores on the test. We accept strong students who are ready to work hard AND will benefit the most from the program. So what happens if you try your best, and you aren’t admitted? Does this mean that you should never try for any other kind of program? Of course not! That would be a big mistake. Any time that you try for something that is worth your time and interest, give it your best effort every time! When you work hard, opportunities will come your way, just like this one did.
We look forward to welcoming Cohort 25 students to Rainier Scholars next summer!
Since we have a fixed number of spots, we cannot over-enroll and admit a greater number of students. That means that if there are lots of strong applicants we will have a very difficult time making the final decisions. Making those difficult decisions is our problem—you don’t have to worry about that. But you do owe it to yourself to try your best, and no matter what happens, keep working towards your goals!
The Rainier Scholars 12-Year Program
A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH
Academic Enrichment Phase (AEP)
An intensive 14-month experience in a supportive cohort environment, designed to prepare students for placement on college preparatory pathways in public and private schools. Scholars build and strengthen foundational academic skills, cultural identity and resiliency over the course of two summer sessions and on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays during the school year. Overall, scholars complete the equivalent of one additional school year (1,000 hours) of academic enrichment, designed to prepare them to be successful in college prep pathways for middle school.
Placement
Our strong partnerships with more than 30 public schools and independent schools ensure that students who successfully complete AEP can access college preparatory pathways in middle school and high school. We provide workshops and tailored application support, assisting scholars and families to maximize school choices.
Academic Counseling
We support scholars and families on their chosen college prep pathways. Academic counselors visit scholars at schools and college campuses, provide advocacy with school administrators and offer social and cultural activities, skill-building workshops and annual retreats, all designed to build increased skills for academic success and college readiness and graduation. Families are supported through parent workshops, individual meetings and regular contact with academic counselors.
College Counseling
We help scholars and families navigate the college application process and maintain strong relationships with college counselors at our partner schools and college admissions officers. Our scholars receive customized intensive college counseling, and in-depth financial aid/college planning services.
Leadership and Career Development
We develop potential and create access to leadership and career opportunities. Middle and high school scholars have access to a wide array of workshops that foster cultural identity, develop leadership skills, and address important societal issues. Scholars also have the opportunity to attend field trips, apply to summer internship opportunities, get personalized career counseling, and receive professional mentorship.
Alumni Services
We support young graduates through professional development, networking and mentoring, community engagement activities and leadership opportunities, as well as building support for our organization from our alumni base. We currently have over 370 alumni.
CULTURAL
IDENTITY AND RESILIENCY
Building resiliency and community through the exploration of cultural identity
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Academic preparation and coaching for success in college prep pathways
PARENT/ GUARDIAN EMPOWERMENT
Skill-building, information sharing, and peer support
COLLEGE COUNSELING
College readiness, college planning, and application support
LEADERSHIP AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Personal development, experiential learning, and career exploration
Why Choose Rainier Scholars?
Rainier Scholars is committed to placing all of its students on a college preparatory pathway in either a public school Advanced Learning program, independent school or parochial school.
The placement rate into Advanced Learning public school programs, independent or parochial middle and high schools is 98% for students who complete the 14-month Academic Enrichment Phase.
THE SCHOOLS OUR SCHOLARS ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING:
Aki Kurose Middle School
Auburn Riverside High School
Ballard High School
Billings Middle School
The Bush School
Cascade Middle School
Charles Wright Academy
Chief Sealth International High School
Chinook Middle School
Choate Rosemary Hall
CHOICE Academy
Cleveland High School STEM
Dimmitt Middle School
The Downtown School
Eastside Catholic School
Eastside Preparatory School
Eckstein Middle School
Einstein Middle School
The Evergreen School
Our Results
Explorer West Middle School
Federal Way High School
Forest Ridge School of the
Sacred Heart
Foster High School
Franklin High School
Garfield High School
Glacier Middle School
Granite Falls High School
Hamilton Middle School
Hazel Wolf K-8
Hazen Senior High School
Highline High School
Holy Names Academy
Ingraham High School
JF Kennedy Catholic High School
Kentwood High School
Kentwood High School
Lake Washington Girls Middle School
Lakeside School
Lincoln High School
Lindbergh Senior High School
Madison Middle School
Mercer International Middle School
Middle College High School
Mount Rainier High School
Nelson Middle School
Northwest School
Northwood Middle School
O’Dea High School
The Overlake School
Phillips Andover Academy
Pioneer Middle School
Rainier Prep
Raisbeck Aviation High School
Renton High School
Risdon Middle School
Robert Eagle Staff Middle School
Roosevelt High School
Sacajawea Middle School
Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences
Seattle Country Day School
Seattle Girls’ School
Seattle Preparatory School
South Shore PK-8
St. Matthew School
Summit Public School: Atlas
Summit Public School: Sierra
Tahoma High School
Talley Virtual School
TOPS K-8
Tyee High School
University Preparatory
Washington Middle School
West Seattle High School
Westside School
Currently 189 Rainier Scholars are attending 71 colleges & universities in Seattle and around the country; with 88% of eligible scholars have graduated, or are on track to graduate, from four-year colleges and universities.
Long-term comprehensive support services through middle and high school have resulted in 100% high school graduation & 97% college admission for our scholars.
Over 370 alumni are pursuing graduate education in medicine, law, business or PhD programs or have embarked on careers in Business and Finance, STEM, Environmental and Social Impact, Arts, Culture and Media, Design, Government, Law and Public Policy and more.
*In an exclusive partnership with Rainier Scholars, Seattle University will meet the full demonstrated need for every Rainier Scholar who completes our entire program and is admitted to the university.
The Recruitment Process
Invitation to Apply
Seattle, Renton, and Highline 4th grade students of color receive an invitation to attend an information meeting and submit an application to Rainier Scholars.
Round 1:
The Stanford 10 Achievement Test Rainier Scholars receives approximately 300–350 applications each year per cohort.
Round 2: Interviews & Support Materials
Based on students’ Stanford 10 Achievement Test scores and program fit, approximately 215 students will be invited to the second round of the application process.
Final Selection: Students Selected
64 Rising 5th graders invited to be part of Cohort 25.
November–December
Student nominations are also accepted from teachers, community members, administrators, etc. for an invitation to an information meeting. All students who complete and submit an application are invited to the first round of the application process.
January
All applicants take The Stanford 10 Achievement Test, a nationally normed multiple-choice K-12 assessment that we use to measure students’ math and reading levels.
February–March
Students/families invited to the second round submit support materials including two years of report cards, testing history, attendance/ behavior reports, a parent survey, income verification, and a teacher evaluation. Students will complete a writing sample, a social emotional learning survey, and interview with two different Rainier Scholars staff members.
April–May
Rainier Scholars staff will deliberate on each group of students and select 64 applicants/ families who show desire, potential, willingness to work hard AND demonstrate the need for additional support services. Families are notified of decisions through email.
Important Dates
January
First Round Testing Dates
April–May
Deliberations
May–June
Final Decisions
May–June
New Student Family Meetings
June
Parent Orientation Meetings
February
Second Round Applicants notified
March
Second Round Assessments & Interviews
June
New Scholar Orientation & Welcome Luncheon
August
Summer Session 2025 Ends
September
School Year Session 2025 Begins
June
Summer Session 2025 Begins
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rainier Scholars cost?
There are no fees to be in Rainier Scholars.
Does Rainier Scholars give out scholarships?
No, Rainier Scholars is not a scholarship program. Our work prepares students to be highly competitive candidates for scholarships, and assists families with the financial aid process.
Will my child have to give up his or her activities to be in the Academic Enrichment Phase of Rainier Scholars?
As a result of having classes for two summers, as well as Wednesday afternoons and all day Saturdays during the 5th grade school year, there is a good chance that your child’s current activity schedule will change. During the summers, students can expect up to 2 hours of homework a night and during the school year, students should plan for about 1–3 hours of homework a night to complete their assignments from both Rainier Scholars and their regular school. During the 14 months, students must be willing to prioritize their commitment to Rainier Scholars. Please remember, the Academic Enrichment Phase is only for two summers and one school year. Your students’ RS program commitments will be less intensive in the middle and high school phases of our program.
Frequently Asked Questions, cont’d
If my child is in Rainier Scholars, do they have to go to private school?
No they do not. Our goal is to prepare students for placement in the most rigorous academic programs that are the highest rung and the best fit for the family and child; whether that is a private school or the Advanced Learning Programs in public schools. We coach our families to be knowledgeable consumers of all the educational options available to them. We expect that students will pursue the highest levels of educational challenge in order to be competitive college candidates. Ultimately, the decision to apply to private school is a personal choice, and we support families in pursuing opportunities that they deem to be the best fit for their child.
What are the dates and times of the program?
• The first summer session will start in June, 2025 and end in August, 2025.
• Summer classes are from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.
• During the school year, classes are held after school on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
• The second summer will start June, 2026 and end in August, 2026.
What’s next?
Please fill out the secure online application provided at the information meeting. Your meeting attendance will be verified in order for the application to be considered. On the last page of the application, you will need to sign up for an in-person testing date for The Stanford 10 Achievement Test.
Test sessions are held on Saturdays in January and February at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
It All Pays Off!
COLLEGES OF SCHOLARS AND ALUMS
Agnes Scott College
Allegheny College
American University
Amherst College
Ashesi University
Arizona State University
Art Center College of Design
Bard College
Bates College
Bellevue College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brandeis University
Bryn Mawr College
Brown University
California Polytechnic State University
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
Central Washington University
Chapman University
Claremont McKenna College
Colgate University
College of Holy Cross
College of Wooster
Columbia University
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Cornish College of the Arts
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
Denison University
Duke University
Eastern Washington University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Emerson College
Emory University
Evergreen State College
Franklin & Marshall College
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Gettysburg College
Gonzaga University
Goucher College
Green River College
Harvard College
Harvey Mudd College
Highline College
Howard University
Ithaca College
Johns Hopkins University
Johnson & Wales University
Kalamazoo College
Kenyon College
Knox College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Loyola Marymount University
Macalester College
Marist College
Middlebury College
Mills College
Morehouse College
Mt. Holyoke College
New York University
North Seattle College
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
NYU-Shanghai
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Ohio State University
Pacific Lutheran University
Parsons School of Design
Pitzer College
Pomona College
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Santa Clara University
Scripps College
Seattle Central College
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University
Seton Hall University
Shoreline Community College
Simmons College
Skidmore College
Smith College
Southern Methodist University
Spelman College
St. John’s University (NY)
St. Olaf College
Stanford University
Suffolk University
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Tufts University
Tulane University
Union College
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Chicago
University of La Verne
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of New Mexico
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of Washington – Seattle
University of Washington – Bothell
University of Washington – Tacoma
Wake Forest University
Washington State University
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
Western Washington University
Whitman College
Whitworth University
Willamette University
Williams College
Yale University
