Rainier Athletes

Mission

Rainier Athletes' mission is to affirm our youth’s sense of purpose and belonging by intentionally connecting their core community of teachers, coaches, families, and mentors. 

Long-Term Approach

Through a hand-in-hand partnership with the school district, students are first selected into the RA community in 4th or 5th grade and together they continue to strengthen their connection all the way through high school graduation and beyond. Each student is fully sponsored year-round to participate in sports, extracurriculars and summer camps, paired with a dedicated mentor, and motivated to achieve both on and off the field through Rainier Athletes’ classroom engagement and self-advocacy model.

Self-Advocacy

In collaboration with their mentor and family, students develop what Rainier Athletes calls an Identity Statement, a mantra that celebrates the students’ unique qualities, perspectives, and culture. Students engage in the daily practice of self-advocacy through conversations exploring and promoting their identities with their teachers. Every week, teachers add comments in the student’s Identity Journal, students meet with their mentors to reflect, and mentors complete a report that catalyzes dialogue amongst the student’s Core Community (teachers, coaches, and family). 

Impact

100% of RA students report feeling an increased sense of belonging.

“I love the community and I love the relationships I have with the people. I feel comfortable asking people for support and enjoy going to talk even if I sometimes don’t feel like it.” - RA Student

96% of parents believe that their student’s RA mentor helps the student feel seen and heard.

“My daughter gets to talk to an adult who she trusts. I know there are some things she won’t talk to me about. Everything is about her growth and development. They have a beautiful relationship.” - RA Parent

85% of teachers agree that RA positively impacts students’ engagement with their education.

“Classroom teachers lean on Rainier Athletes mentors to strengthen relationships with their students, but beyond that I’ve heard directly from front office staff, custodians, and district directors who all feel like a valued part of the Rainier Athletes Community. “ - Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Bellevue School District Superintendent

2023-2024 Highlights

143 RA students met with their dedicated mentors weekly and were fully sponsored to participate in extracurricular sports and activities through 40 activity partners (sports, STEM, arts, and more) who provide deep discounts and scholarships. RA supported families with registration, translation, transportation, and also provided coaches with training to break down barriers and help students participate equitably.

Elementary & Middle School Program

• 20 new students were added to the RA community. This amounts to a 9+ year commitment to provide weekly mentorship through each student’s high school graduation and beyond. RA added a new school partner, Sherwood Forest Elementary, and are now actively partnered with all Title 1 schools across the Bellevue School Dist. 

High School & Beyond Program

• RA hired our first High School and Beyond Program Manager. We walked alongside 18 high school seniors (RA’s largest graduating cohort to date!) as they explored and chose their postsecondary plans. RA mentors supported through the entire process from choosing a pathway, applying for financial aid, completing applications, and making decisions. 

Next Step Scholarships

• RA’s community of graduates has grown exponentially over the last few years. With only 1 in 4 first-generation college students completing their degrees, we’re determined to do our part in ensuring RA students are set up for success. This year, we supported 18 RA graduates (all first-generation college students) with mentorship as well as financial, academic, career, and resource support.