KeyBank Grants $180,000 to Rainier Scholars in Tacoma to Support Underrepresented Students

Tacoma, Wash. – In a significant move to bolster educational opportunities for underrepresented students of color, KeyBank has announced a $180,000 grant to Rainier Scholars – Tacoma. This funding aims to enhance the nonprofit's services in the greater Tacoma area, focusing on providing essential academic, social, and emotional support to help youth excel in their educational pursuits and achieve college degrees. Over the next three years, Rainier Scholars plans to expand its program by welcoming new cohorts of students and developing tailored curricula to support their progression into middle and high school. Additionally, the initiative will introduce a new entry point for 7th graders at First Creek Middle School, aligning with the organization’s mission to cultivate the academic and leadership potential of underrepresented students through transformative opportunities that aim to increase college graduation rates. Jennifer Ward, Associate Executive Director of Rainier Scholars Tacoma, emphasized the importance of their 12-year commitment to each scholar and their family, which spans from fifth grade through college graduation. This long-term approach is designed to foster an educated workforce, which is vital for a thriving regional economy. Founded in 2000, Rainier Scholars provides a comprehensive pathway to college graduation and leadership development for students of color in the Seattle and Tacoma areas. KeyBank, with nearly 200 years of history, continues to support community initiatives through its extensive banking services across 15 states.