About Rainier Athletes (RA)

Rainier Athletes' (RA) mission is to affirm our youth’s sense of purpose and belonging by intentionally connecting their core community of teachers, coaches, families, and mentors.

Rainier Athletes is a long-term mentoring organization that begins walking alongside students and their families in 4th grade and continues through high school graduation and beyond. Each student is matched with a dedicated mentor who meets with them weekly, fully funded to participate in year round sports and activities, and supported as they explore and advocate for their unique identity.

How It Works

No experience with sports, mentoring, or working with youth is required. Trainings are held throughout the year and you’ll have support from our dedicated team whenever you need it.

RA students are not just athletes, but are also artists, activists, engineers, and up-and-coming philosophers. Their passions are a way that we engage in a deeper conversation with them and their supporters. So no, you don’t have to love sports! RA mentors are volunteers with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and interests.

Volunteer mentors meet with their mentee once a week at the mentee’s school. After check-ins, mentors share a report with their mentee’s family, teachers, and coaches. RA mentors are bridge builders, strengthening relationships beyond their one-on-one connection to the student by uniting the student’s entire Core Community of supporters. We call this approach ONE Team Mentoring!

Mentors typically spend 1 hour per week between meeting with the student, and communicating with their parents, teachers, etc. We ask mentors to commit for at least one full school year.

Check-ins are typically held on Thursday or Friday afternoons. The level of involvement outside of weekly check-ins is up to you. Mentors rave about the extra time they spend attending activities like sports games and milestones like birthday parties, graduations, and quinceañeras.

Learn More:

Mentoring Details and Signup Form
Video: Abdul's Journey

Youth Leadership Support opportunities

Youth Mentors