Quick History Of Rainier Athletes

In the spring of 2013, the Rainier Athletes program kicked off its pilot season at Lake Hills Elementary in Bellevue, WA, under the fiscal sponsorship of Jubilee REACH. The mission was simple: use sports and mentorship to direct students towards a path to achievement and to close a growing opportunity gap within Bellevue’s community. Working closely with the principal and key teacher advocates at Lake Hills Elementary, five students were selected for the 2013 pilot season. Equipped with a $1,000 seed donation, Founder and Executive Director Jesse Franklin enrolled the students in Little League and served as the program’s first mentor.

Fast forward to October 2016, Rainier Athletes achieved 501(c)3 status, formed an independent board, and hired its first employees. Although the organization has grown and evolved immensely, our core mission remains focused.

Together we are One Team: in the classroom, at home, on the field, and throughout our community.