Y-Scholars Celebrate Another Year of Student Success

As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, Y-Scholars students across the greater Seattle area are celebrating academic achievement, leadership growth, college readiness, and community impact. Through mentorship, academic support, college and career exploration, and scholarship opportunities, Y-Scholars continues to help students prepare for bright futures beyond high school.

Garfield High School

This year, the Garfield Y-Scholars program served 110 students across all four grade levels, including 27 graduating seniors, who were recognized during the annual Jubilee celebration on June 3 with a stole and a t-shirt representing the college they will attend. Students who earned Y-Scholar and Black Achievers scholarships were also honored with presentation checks recognizing their awards.

Throughout the year, these Garfield students explored college and career pathways through admissions presentations and campus visits to the University of Washington, Portland State University, and Oregon State University. Monthly meetings focused on financial literacy, mental health, Black history, scholarship writing, running start information, and other college readiness topics.

Students also participated in a variety of enrichment and service-learning opportunities, including volunteering at a toy drive, Microsoft Minority Student Day, Healthy Kids Day, UW football and basketball games, the Museum of Flight, and programs with The Lagrant Foundation.

In addition to these experiences, Y-Scholars supported student success through after-school study sessions, end-of-semester cram sessions, financial aid events, and other school-wide activities that strengthened the Garfield community.

Tyee High School

The Tyee Y-Scholars program served 55 students this year, including 12 graduating seniors. The program achieved a 100% graduation rate, with graduates heading to institutions such as the University of Washington at Seattle and Bothell, Washington State University, Highline Community College, and Shoreline Community College.

Like their peers at Garfield, Tyee students participated in workshops and field trips designed to build college, career, and life readiness. Highlights included an Ernst & Young Financial Literacy Workshop, a Tech Fireside Chat hosted by The Lagrant Foundation in partnership with Microsoft and Amazon, a visit to the Krusteaz Innovation Center, and a career conversation with attorney and entrepreneur Ahndrea Blue.

Students also explored careers within professional sports through a visit to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, where they learned about opportunities in marketing, sales, training, operations, and turf management.

Beyond academics and career exploration, Tyee Y-Scholars demonstrated leadership through community engagement and fundraising efforts, helping raise $600 during a chicken and waffles fundraiser at the Matt Griffin YMCA. The program's impact on student leadership was also evident as a rising senior Y-Scholar was elected Associated Student Body President, continuing a tradition of Y-Scholar leadership at the school.

Looking Ahead

The accomplishments of this year's Y-Scholars demonstrate the power of investing in young people through mentorship, education, and opportunity. From earning scholarships and college acceptances to developing leadership skills and serving their communities, these students are building a strong foundation for the future.

Congratulations to all of our Y-Scholars on an outstanding school year. We look forward to seeing all they accomplish next. 

To learn more about Y-Scholars, visit our website.