YMCA of Greater Seattle, CityU sign partnership on education and wellness

YMCA of Greater Seattle and City University of Seattle signed a Letter of Intent on June 10 to broaden access to education, health and career pathways for students and staff. The deal pairs scholarships and work opportunities with membership access and wellness support, aiming to reduce barriers across the Seattle region.

Why it matters: - The partnership links higher education, workforce development and wellness in one deal. - YMCA staff could gain clearer education pathways. - CityU students, faculty and staff could gain easier access to YMCA health and wellness services. - The agreement is designed to expand equitable access for students, working adults and the broader community.

What happened: - YMCA of Greater Seattle and City University of Seattle signed a Letter of Intent on June 10, 2026. - The agreement sets up a strategic partnership focused on education, whole-person health and career pathways. - City University of Seattle aspires to become a preferred education provider for YMCA staff. - YMCA of Greater Seattle aspires to become a preferred health and wellness provider for CityU students, faculty and staff.

The details: - The partnership includes scholarships for one YMCA staff member and one Y Scholar. - The agreement includes career and academic pathways to support YMCA staff advancement. - CityU students may access work-study, job, internship and practicum opportunities at the YMCA. - CityU students, faculty and staff will receive complimentary “Try the Y” memberships. - Need-based financial assistance will be available for continued access. - Eligible military-affiliated students, faculty and staff will receive expanded YMCA membership access. - Suzanne Elise Walsh, president of City University of Seattle, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to education and supporting the needs of students and working adults. - Loria Yeadon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, said the collaboration is part of the YMCA’s 150th year of service and a model for partnerships that advance whole-person health, community well-being and opportunity.

Between the lines: - The deal gives both organizations a pipeline to serve people already connected to their institutions. - The YMCA can deepen its role as a community hub beyond fitness and youth programming. - CityU can connect students more directly to employer-based experience and support. - The emphasis on military-affiliated access suggests the partnership is also targeting populations with specific service and transition needs.

What’s next: - Both organizations will need to turn the Letter of Intent into operating programs and eligibility rules. - The scholarship, membership and work-based learning offers will likely be the first visible pieces of the partnership. - The organizations may use the deal to build broader collaboration with other education and community partners.

The bottom line: - YMCA of Greater Seattle and CityU are betting that education, wellness and workforce support work better together than separately.