Seattle’s Rainier Scholars program cultivates the academic potential of low-income students of color by providing access to postsecondary institutions, opening doors to future careers, and developing leadership skills. Students of color account for 66% of the students in Seattle Public Schools, and only 10% of those students are represented in the district’s advanced learning programs. These are the inequities that the Rainier Scholars program seeks to address. In collaboration with the University of Washington Department of Urban Design and Planning (UDP), they are determined to steward a relationship to create a meaningful connection with the University of Washington. Susie Wu, the Director of Leadership Development for Rainier Scholars, spoke warmly about the relationship built between UDP and the Rainier Scholars. “My hope is that our scholars become leaders of change at all levels of society. That’s what it will take to transform our society and build a pipeline.”
The students participating in the Rainier Scholars program are generally first-generation college students, negotiating an unfamiliar space without the experience from a member of their family. This is where relationships with institutions like the University of Washington are so instrumental. The access and contact with current students and professors demystify the college experience and place them at the same table with undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students. The results of this program are undeniable. The Rainier Scholars program has successfully mentored six cohorts from elementary school through college, with years of inspired young scholars to follow. There is tremendous power in seeing six years of students graduate ahead of you, building a landmark for success.
Full article published on The University of Washington's CBE website