YMCA of Greater Seattle and City University of Seattle Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Student Success, Workforce Opportunity, and Community Well-Being
Last updated: June 11, 2026, at 9:53 a.m. PT
Originally published: June 11, 2026, at 9:53 a.m. PT
Seattle, WA — June 11, 2026 — The YMCA of Greater Seattle and City University of Seattle announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent establishing a strategic partnership to expand equitable access to education, whole-person health, and career pathways for students, staff, and the broader community. The Letter of Intent was signed on June 10, 2026.
Through this collaboration, City University of Seattle aspires to serve as a preferred education provider for YMCA staff, while the YMCA of Greater Seattle aspires to be a preferred health and wellness provider for City University students, faculty, and staff.
Key Elements of the Partnership
- Scholarships for one YMCA staff member and one Y Scholar
- Career and academic pathways supporting YMCA staff advancement
- Work-study, job, internship, and practicum opportunities for City University students at the YMCA
- Complimentary 'Try the Y' memberships for City University students, faculty, and staff, with need-based financial assistance for continued access.
- Expanded YMCA membership access for eligible military-affiliated students, faculty, and staff
"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to education and supporting the evolving needs of students and working adults," said Suzanne Elise Walsh, President of City University of Seattle.
"As we mark 150 years of service, we are building partnerships that expand access, remove barriers, and strengthen communities," said Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. "This collaboration represents an important step and a model for how we can partner with educational institutions to advance whole-person health, community wellbeing, and opportunity."
Media Contacts
YMCA of Greater Seattle:
Ayn Dietrich-Williams, Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Communication
pr@seattleymca.org
adwilliams@seattleymca.org
(206) 382-5085
City University of Seattle:
Alicia Nakamoto, Media & Communications
CityU Seattle
nakamotoalicia@cityu.edu
(206) 683-7851
About City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle is an accredited, nonprofit university dedicated to providing career-relevant education for busy professionals, adult learners, and those connected to military service. Since 1973, CityU has reimagined higher education in the Pacific Northwest and around the world, with more than 20 years of leadership in online learning. Recognized as a Top 10 educator of adults nationwide, CityU offers over 65 degree and certificate programs in business, education, health and social sciences, and technology. Students benefit from flexible online and on-site options, practitioner faculty, and a strong professional network that includes employers such as Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Google.