For over a decade, Rainier Athletes has partnered with the Bellevue School District to connect students with long-term one-on-one mentorship and opportunities for students to pursue their passions. A program that started with three students and one mentor at Lake Hills Elementary has grown to connect a community of a thousand stakeholders.
Centering Students
Rainier Athletes commits to supporting students and their families from fourth grade — when students are first identified — through high school graduation and beyond. Now that Rainier Athletes’ first four cohorts have completed high school graduation, programs to provide post-secondary support including Next Step scholarships and ongoing mentorship have recently begun.
Every student who takes part in the Rainier Athletes mentorship program is matched with a dedicated mentor. Students and mentors meet every week year-round. Through this process, students acquire a deeper sense of self, feel supported in building genuine relationships with their teachers, and become fully sponsored to participate in the extracurricular activities of their choice. Rainier Athletes centers students who are furthest from educational and social justice. All Rainier Athletes students qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program, and 98% identify as people of color.
Shape the Future
Rainier Athletes pride itself on doing things differently; therefore, it’s no surprise that their annual fundraiser, Shape the Future, is considered the most unique non-profit party on the Eastside. In a local gym elegantly transformed into a full-on party, professional athletes and political leaders rub shoulders with BSD students and staff, bringing the community into one space and with a shared p
The Bellevue School District and Rainier Athletes invite our learning community to attend the Shape the Future event, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Hidden Valley Fieldhouse. Learn more about how to support this event and purchase tickets.