SEATTLE - While many kids are working on some serious playtime this summer, some soon-to-be sixth and seventh graders are working on getting to college. They're called Rainier Scholars and they're spending their summer taking rigorous classes.
The first group started in 2002. Now, 40 members of that inaugural class have just graduated from high school and are headed to prestigious colleges across the country.
This summer, a new set of students is just starting the journey, like 11-year-old Sky Sawyer. Sky says he misses having more free time over the summer, but knows his hard work will pay off.
"I kind of would rather be here because I know this is going to bring me farther," he said.
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Only about 60 Rainier Scholars are selected each year from all of Seattle schools. The program gives students individual mentoring, tutoring and counseling from the end of 5th grade all the way through college. The program begins with a grueling 14 month academic regimen that includes summer school and roughly four hours of nightly homework.
"I kinda expected to do a lot of homework but now that I figured it out, it's a lot harder," said Jonathan Castillo, one of the newest Rainier Scholars.
"It makes me take my education more seriously," said Destiny Lockhart, who is in her second year of the program.
Founder Bob Hurlbut created the program targeting children of color who show academic potential and the desire to learn.
"In the midst of living the American dream, it's not always as level a playing field as you think it is," said Hurlbut.
The program walks with students for 11 years, all while helping to propel them into the nation's best colleges.
"It's opened so many doors I would have never even come close to approaching," said Myles Jones, who will be a Junior at Garfield High School this year.
Not everyone who starts the program finishes it.
In it's inaugural class of 2002, the program lost about 20 students before the second summer ended. Forty of them stuck with it and are headed to prestigious colleges all over the country. Nearly all of them have received substantial scholarships.
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