Rainier Scholars

My name is Hieu Tran. I am a first-generation college student and current junior at Wake Forest University studying Finance. I was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States with my parents when I was 3 years old. I grew up in South Seattle, and in the 5th grade, I joined Rainier Scholars, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income students of color become the first ones in their family to graduate from college.

Rainier Scholars changed my life, giving me access to the resources and support that I needed to succeed from a young age. It enabled me to realize my potential and opened up the door for me to work hard and pursue the American Dream. I can already see the ripple effects that my access to education has had on my family and the communities I hold dear.

Somewhere within Seattle, there is an extremely bright 4th grader filled with tenacity, hunger, and a desire to do something great with their life. However, they don't have the resources, guidance at home, or roadmap to navigate the complexities of the education system. This child has great potential, and with the right support, they could overcome systemic barriers and become a leader within their community.

On April 26th, 2025, I will be competing in the Ironman Texas North American Championships, a 140.6-mile race under the blazing Texas sun, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and a 26.2-mile run. The goal is to keep the door to a great education open for young students of color about to embark on a journey of a lifetime, a personal odyssey that will change the trajectory of their families forever.

I would love it if you would join me in this journey in the support of education equity and a chance at the American Dream.