11:00 AM PDT on Tuesday, May 25, 2004

By ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News

SEATTLE – When 11-year-old Anthony Herst started school he had a lot more to worry about than grades. But now, the 5th grade former foster child is among the best and brightest in his school, recognized as a "Rainier Scholar."

His future is limitless, his goals are simple.

KING Hoping for a brighter future

"My gramma told me if I go to college I'll get a good job and I'll be able to get a house and I'll have a good life," said Anthony.

Only 60 Rainier Scholars are selected from all of Seattle schools. The organization provides promising, underprivileged students with individual mentoring, tutoring and counseling from 5th grade through college, beginning with a grueling 14-month academic regimen that includes summer school, 3 hours of nightly homework and classes six days a week:

"The goal of the program is not to get kids into college, but to have kids graduate from college and to cultivate a generation of leaders to represent the communities they come from," explained Bob Herbut, founder of "Rainier Scholars."

Briana Kennedy is among those ready for the challenge.

"I know no matter what now I'm definitely, 110 percent going to college," she said.

Briana and Anthony are the first two Rainier Scholars ever at T.T. Minor Elementary, a school that itself is a pioneer in education.

In 1998, the school embarked upon an 8-year experiment, taking a million dollars a year from Seattle philanthropist Stuart Sloan and opening the school year-round, with smaller classes, additional meals and mental and physical health support for families.

Since then test grades have risen dramatically.

"A few years ago, I don't think we had anybody passing the WASL. Now we have about 30 percent," said Holly Miller, New School Foundation.

So many dreams are now within reach.