This June, 21 Garfield High School seniors celebrated an exciting milestone – graduating from high school. Through the Y Scholars program, 30 students of African descent are selected from the incoming freshman class to receive academic and social support during all four years of high school, including honors and AP classes, one-on-one college prep, and more to prepare them for future college success and help them reach their fullest potential.

“I really appreciate Y Scholars for helping me realize I’m not alone.”  -Chardonnay, Y Scholar

“I really appreciate Y Scholars for helping me realize I’m not alone,” says Y Scholars Sophomore Chardonnay. I can look around my honors classes and see other Scholars— people who look like me.”

Every single student in the program graduated and has been accepted to college, compared to just 74 percent on-time graduation and 60 percent college enrollment rates for African- American students in South Seattle schools.

The group also celebrated another exciting milestone for one Y Scholar: the first-ever Ivy League acceptance. Yasna, class of 2017, is excited to attend Columbia University this fall, and received a full scholarship.

The program also offers opportunities like internships with the University of Washington Nursing School and spring break college tours, where current students have the chance to meet with former Scholars, provide real-world experiences, and invaluable college prep resources.

Anita Adams is the proud parent of two current Y Scholars. “I’m grateful to the Y for having the vision to address institutional racism and support our students who have the interest and curiosity for learning. This program operates with integrity from the community.”