Rainier Scholars and University Prep

University Prep has a deep and long-standing relationship with Rainier Scholars, which began shortly after the organization’s inception in 2002.

Each spring, Rainiers Scholars cultivates the academic potential of approximately 60 talented and motivated young scholars from underserved communities by inviting them to join the program. The students’ twelve-year journey includes a fourteen-month intensive academic phase, placement into the area’s top schools (both independent and public), leadership development, and support which lasts throughout their college years. By offering access to exceptional educational opportunities and ongoing comprehensive support, Rainier Scholars works to increase college graduation rates and to develop a new generation of leaders.

University Prep currently has 38 Rainier Scholars enrolled, more than any other independent school of similar size.

To date, over 50 Rainier Scholars have graduated from UPrep and gone on to excellent colleges across the nation. In 2014, University Prep created the Erica and Nason Hamlin Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor the legacy of departing head of school Erica Hamlin, and to ensure our continued support of Rainier Scholars.