We are grateful for a year shaped by learning, leadership, and collective care through RBAC’s Lifelong Learning Branch. This work continues to affirm what we know to be true: learning happens across generations and throughout our neighborhood. Lifelong Learning is rooted in the belief that education, leadership development, and organizational growth should be community-driven. The branch promoted learning across generations while reinforcing systems that create lasting positive impact in the neighborhood.

Throughout the year, Lifelong Learning programming reached hundreds of Rainier Beach residents through its events events and community-centered partnerships that prioritized access, belonging, and leadership development.

Key Highlights from RBAC’s 22nd Annual Rainier Beach Back2School Bash

  • A total of 940 backpacks were distributed:
    • 580 elementary school students
    • 244 middle school students
    • 212 high school students
  • More than 90 volunteers powered the event
  • Over 400 families connected with over 50 resource booths
  • 61 local partners and sponsors

Neighborhood support made this event possible, including $1,975 in individual donations, $45,780 in sponsorships including in-kind support, and $2,364 through family resource booth participation, for a total neighborhood-supported value of $50,119.

Rainier Beach Neighborhood Heroes Gala

In November, RBAC hosted its first Neighborhood Heroes Gala, bringing together over 180 residents, partners, and supporters to honor individuals and organizations whose leadership strengthens Rainier Beach. The event elevated community-led impact and generated resources to reinvest in lifelong learning and leadership development across the neighborhood. The Gala marked a significant milestone for the Lifelong Learning Branch—demonstrating the power of storytelling, recognition, and collective giving as tools for sustaining community-rooted education and leadership pipelines.

The impact of the Lifelong Learning Branch in 2025 was made possible by families, volunteers, partners, donors, and neighbors who continue to invest in education as a shared responsibility. Together, we are ensuring that learning, opportunity, and leadership remain accessible at every stage of life—and firmly rooted in the Rainier Beach neighborhood.

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