Washington Schools YMCA

Across Washington State, the Y gives nearly $2 million in scholarships each year for before and after-school programs. Families receive more scholarships and financial assistance from the Y than from other in-school childcare providers. We offer financial assistance to all families who qualify with no caps because we truly believe in opportunities for all.

When kids join the Y's after school programs they're in for a lifetime of support and community in health, wellness, and educational encouragement. The Y offers early learning, child care, camp, enrichment classes, recess programs, swim lessons, youth sports, teen leadership programs, achievement gap initiatives and much more. Our programs are all-encompassing to include mind, body, and spirit for kids and adults at every point in their lives.

Great communities have strong Ys. The YMCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to building communities where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. We’re a trusted partner in our communities serving over 1 in 4 elementary schools in Washington.

The YMCA aligns our after-school programming to evidence-based lesson plans while remaining flexible to meet the needs of individual schools. Our programs foster each child’s cognitive, social-emotional and physical development by sparking an interest in learning through hands-on projects. Each day, children have the opportunity to extend school day learning through fun, project-based activities in STEM, arts & crafts, physical activity and nutrition.

Y staff are highly skilled at providing school-based programs for kids. Understanding that relationships matter, the Y often exceeds Washington State licensing standards for staff to student ratios. Each licensed staff member undergoes 30 hours of training through the STARS program. In addition, all staff participate in annual trainings, continuing education, staff development days, on the job training, and learning modules.