Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rainier Scholars
Legal Name (if Different): n/a
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 2100 24th Avenue South, Suite 360
City: Seattle
State: WA
Postal Code: 98144
Main Phone: 206-407-2111
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://rainierscholars.org
Employer ID Number: 91-2045918
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 12/19/2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Investing in Bright Futures: Rainier Scholars’ Tacoma helps underresourced students thrive
Project Description:

Rainier Scholars (RS) is a vehicle for change that empowers students to overcome barriers through rigorous academics and transformative holistic support. Founded in 2000, we serve students with the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education – students of color from low-income backgrounds, many the first in their family to achieve a college degree. Our 12-year program offers academic support, leadership and career development, and mental health resources to ensure our scholars are equipped with the necessary resources to thrive academically and professionally. 93% of scholars have graduated or are on track to graduate from a four-year college or university. In contrast, the US college graduation rate lies around 38% and is significantly lower for youth of color (US Census, 2021).

In 2022, RS launched south of Seattle in Tacoma, WA, where schools are consistently underfunded. 66% of students enrolled in Tacoma public schools are students of color, and assessment scores show that far more Tacoma students score below grade level in ELA, math, and science compared to their Seattle peers. By expanding to Tacoma, we meet a heightened need, offering transformative educational supports to youth who may not otherwise have access to similar opportunities.

The RS approach is grounded in educational equity, paving the way for students of color to be successful where they have been historically underrepresented. We are proud of our growing community of over 400 alumni who have gone on to have successful careers as leaders in their communities. The ripple effect of our program extends beyond the students we directly serve: our scholars have inspired siblings, parents, and neighbors to achieve their own college and career goals. By establishing pathways to college that others can follow, RS creates a multiplier effect—allowing the work we do to have an exponential impact on our community.

Total Project Budget: 1741771

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed: Anonymous Donation: $100,000 . P. Wayne and Jane B. Goode Foundation: $55,000, Key Bank Foundation: $60,000, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP: $25,000, Saltchuk Resources Incorporation: $50,000, LT Murray Family Foundation: $20,000, Sequoia Foundation: $15,000, Woodworth Foundation: $20,000, Stewardship Foundation: $25,000, Bamford Foundation: $15,000. Potential: Korum for Kids: $10,000; Murdock Foundation $490,570

Project Duration: 7/1/2026-6/30/2027
Geographical Area Served: King and Pierce County, Washington
Age Group To Be Served: 10-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Emily
Contact Last Name: Westlake
Contact Title: Director of Foundation Relations
Contact Phone: 315-436-5165
Contact Email: ewestlake@rainierscholars.org