Leaving a Legacy for Education

Kevin Washington has always had a passion for education. He knows how influential it can be in shaping a young person’s life. In the mid-90s, Kevin began volunteering for the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Black Achievers (now the Y-Scholars) program. He has helped hundreds of students of color apply for college, get scholarships, and reach their fullest potential. 

“We began recruiting for this program, and all of a sudden 150 kids wanted to join!” recalls Kevin. “One young woman came all the way up to Seattle from Poulsbo every Saturday morning for the program. She wasn’t surrounded by black professionals and students in her hometown. This space was so important to her that she was willing to travel hours to find it.” 

Watching black and brown students grow, attend college, and succeed in the workplace fuels Kevin. As local high schools cut back on career counselors, the need for academic guidance became more paramount. “It is so incredibly important to make sure 9th graders are successful, it is a pivotal point. Y Scholars follows students throughout high school. The kids can have a different relationship with the Y adults, they aren’t their parents or teachers grading them.” 

Kevin Washington does not have kids of his own, but has shaped the lives of hundreds of kids through the Y. Making a gift through his will is meaningful to him because he can give more through a planned gift than outright during his lifetime. As a board member of the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA, Kevin has seen similar donations have an incredible impact and wanted to make sure this happens with his estate as well. 

“I believe in the work at the Y and a planned gift gives me an avenue to be sure this work continues in our community.” 

Create your legacy. You have the power to ensure Y programs and services are accessible to everyone. Big or small, you can make a difference. Start planning today.