Your support is building a connected community where youth discover an authentic sense of belonging and live a life they love.
To help tell our story of impact we gathered hundreds of perspectives from RA students, families and educators. Here’s what they are saying:
96% of RA parents and guardians believe that their child’s RA mentor is critical in ensuring their child is seen and heard.
85% of educators believe that participation in RA positively impacts students’ engagement with their education.
99% of RA students report feeling an increased sense of belonging.
“There is infinite power in a connected community and RA unlocks it. As someone who has worked for years at nearly every level of our district, I have yet to see an organization that has created so many positive connections.”
Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Bellevue School District Superintendent
“My daughter gets to talk to an adult who she trusts. I know there are some things she won’t talk to me about. Everything is about her growth and development. They have a beautiful relationship.”
RA Parent
“RA helps you figure out who you are, and who you're meant to be.”
RA High School Graduate
Class of 2023
“To be able to have someone in your corner that you can go to for help and guidance is something I wish I had when I was going through school, especially as a first-generation student trying to figure it out on my own.”
RA Mentor
Thank you for your continued partnership
From dedicated mentors who show up with listening ears and open hearts, to donors who invest generously to power our mission, to partner organizations who work hand-in-hand with us to provide holistic support, RA is surrounded by love on all sides.
143 RA students met with their dedicated mentors weekly and were fully sponsored to participate in extracurricular sports and activities through 40 activity partners (sports, STEM, arts, and more) who provide deep discounts and scholarships. RA supported families with registration, translation, transportation, and also provided coaches with training to break down barriers and help students participate equitably.
2024-2025 Highlights
Over the last year, RA facilitated more than 25,000 hours of meaningful connection through sports, arts, and other activities, mentorship, and strong student–teacher relationships.
While only 55% of Washington high school graduates pursue education beyond high school, 91% of RA students take that next step.
Amid a nationwide loneliness epidemic, an extraordinary 99% of RA students say they feel a deeper sense of belonging.
20 new students were added to the RA community. This amounts to a 9+ year commitment to provide weekly mentorship through each student’s high school graduation and beyond. RA added a new school partner, Sherwood Forest Elementary, and are now actively partnered with all Title 1 schools across the Bellevue School District.
Elementary and Middle School
High School
We walked alongside RA seniors as they explored and chose their post-secondary plans. RA mentors supported through the entire process from choosing a pathway, applying for financial aid, completing applications, and making decisions.
RA’s community of graduates has grown exponentially over the last few years. With only 1 in 4 first-generation college students completing their degrees within 5 years, we’re determined to do our part in ensuring RA students are set up for success. In 2025, RA’s first cohort, students who began meeting weekly with mentors in 4th grade, became the first in their families to graduate from college!
next steps and beyond
By igniting connection, our youth develop a strong sense of self, they are proud of who they are, and inspired by the person they will become. Ultimately, they belong.