Summer of 2012 is for GIVING! Help me raise $25,000 for Rainier Scholars!

Have you ever wondered how you got to where you are at today? Your pursuit of higher education, your diploma, your career opportunities, your house...? Many of us are fortunate to have had a strong support system growing up. We continued through school until graduation which prepared us to take on "life". We work hard and we persevere in the face of obstacles, right? Perhaps a little bit of luck too?

Did you know that many high-potential low-income students could not imagine such life possibilities due to barriers as first generation college students, a lack of economic resources, and much needed support from families, mentors, role models, and career opportunities?

What is the cause:

Rainier Scholars is an 11-year life-changing education and youth development program for promising students of color, providing a pathway to college graduation and creating future community leaders. 

In the four phases of Rainier Scholars program, starting at grade 6, students embark on an intensive 14-month academic "boot camp" in order to earn placement into area's top independent and public schools on a college preparatory track. They are surrounded with encouragement, leadership development opportunities and comprehensive support services that continue through the last day of college.

The core values of Rainier Scholars are Perseverance, Integrity and Courage

“Rainier Scholars pursue their dreams with courage, determination and a sense of purpose.” -Gordon McHenry Jr.  Executive Director, Rainier Scholars

The organization needs to continue raising money to meet their eleven year commitment of supporting these scholars. Funds will go directly to the program for staff and teachers, books, student activities, leadership retreats... all program activities designed to keep scholars on the path to college graduation. Please help keeping this dynamic organization growing future leaders of color.

We can change the lives of many students. Here is how you can help....

1. Learn more about Rainier Scholars here
2. No GIVING is too small, even if it's $10, that's the price of 2.5 Starbucks grande latte (depending on where you are in the world).
3. Please give, Give twice, Join my team and get the word out. Tweet about it. Post this to your friends on Facebook. Get creative!

I promise your spirit will be instantly lifted through GIVING.

Instructions for Microsoft employees:

Your donation will count toward your 2012 Giving Campaign contribution. Please remember to initiate Matching in the company tool http://give to double the mileage of your giving.

Instructions for people who reside outside of the US:

If you don't have a credit card, write me a check or money order or bank transfer, and I will donate on your behalf.