Rainier Scholars Tacoma

10/08/2026

This Latinx Heritage Month, we hope you get to experience the rich traditions, vibrant cultures, and powerful contributions of the Latinx community. Check out a list of local events this weekend.

Latino Americans: 500 Years of History: https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/latinoamericans/
Tacoma Arts Live and Latinx Unidos of the South Sound Present: Festival Herencia Latina: https://www.tacomaartslive.org/events/festival-herencia-latina-2025/
Fiesta de la Familia: https://cityoflakewood.us/fiesta/
Latine/x Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt: https://tacoma.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?series=6a4da6fdcfd7af3d00361ce5

10/05/2026

Scholars in Mini College: Medical Lab this summer had the incredible opportunity to tour St. Joseph Medical Center and get a real glimpse into different medical careers. Staff from a dozen departments brought out an EKG machine, radiology equipment, and even a pig’s lung for scholars to examine!

09/30/2026

This summer, Tacoma scholars held a pig's lung, ran an EKG machine, and tested water for chlorine and fluoride, all in the name of learning. From a new Medical Lab to a first-of-its-kind Tacoma Public Utilities partnership, read our blog to experience Tacoma scholar summer highlights:

Every summer, Rainier Scholars – Tacoma creates unique opportunities for experiential learning. This year brought an expanded Mini College, a Summer Stretch program overflowing with joy, and a brand-new partnership with Tacoma Public Utilities. Mini College  In Tacoma, scholars spend three summer...

09/28/2026

This summer, several scholars applied for the University of Puget Sound Summer Program where they explored the significance of fishing and water rights in the community! They learned about the life cycle and habitat of salmon, and also investigated the affects of water quality, climate change, and human activities on their populations. In their final project, they created calls to action to educate and encourage others in the community to help protect salmon.

09/25/2026

We ❤️ to see our community come together!

A few weeks ago we welcomed families from across our cohorts for a day full of fun, friendship, and connection. From face painting and family Olympics to bouncy houses, basketball, games, and a yellow duck hunt, there were smiles everywhere you looked 😃

It was a day to remember and can't wait for next year 🎉✨

📸: Jeremy Kinlow

09/09/2026

School is back in session! 📚🎒✨ We wish our scholars, teachers, and school partners a wonderful school year ahead!

09/01/2026

A few weeks ago, our Tacoma Cohort 4 scholars participated in a Rainier Scholars tradition and performed their oratories! Oratories happen at the end of Summer Stretch right before scholars transition into middle school, and allow them to build their confidence and know that their voice matters!

08/18/2026

This summer, Tacoma Mini College scholars explored a variety of career pathways through their “majors”. In the Medical Lab, scholars had the opportunity to complete a Stop the Bleed course!

They gained hands-on skills that could help save a life in an emergency. They learned to first call 911 and check the scene for safety. Then practiced the three main stages of stopping uncontrolled bleeding: applying pressure, packing deep wounds, and applying a tourniquet when needed.

We’re proud to see our scholars building knowledge, confidence, and life-saving skills that can make a difference when it matters most!

08/08/2026

A couple of weeks ago, Cohort 5 scholars took on a Rainier Scholars tradition and hiked Rattlesnake Ledge! 🥾⛰️

Near the end of their first summer with us, scholars embrace our E.P.I.C. value of perseverance as they hike together as a cohort. For some, this is their very first time hiking. Through this challenge, scholars learn that they are capable of seeing difficult tasks through to completion and build their self-confidence. Skills that carry them through the rest of their Rainier Scholars journey and beyond.

08/03/2026

Our Mini College scholars, who are in their third summer of programming at Rainier Scholars – Tacoma, have been working hard and exploring future careers this summer!

Those scholars that chose "Sports as Business" as their "major" track had the amazing opportunity to visit the Seattle Kraken Iceplex in north Seattle. They had a fantastic time hearing from several Kraken employees across the many career paths available within professional sports—including coaching, human resources, and marketing/community engagement. They even had the opportunity to get out on the ice themselves and practice their skating skills. Thank you to the Seattle Kraken for hosting us!