Whatcom Family YMCA's Youth Institute Program awarded $519,626 through Allen Family Philanthropies' historic $5 million Creative Youth Development grant

The Whatcom Family YMCA (the Y) is one of 10 organizations selected statewide as a grant recipient for Allen Family Philanthropies' historic $5 million Creative Youth Development (CYD) grant. This signifies Washington State's largest, single-investment into community-led, out-of-school-time CYD opportunities for youth (ages 13-26).

Allen Family Philanthropies grant funding will transform the Y's Youth Institute program from a seven-week summer experience into a year-round program that provides ongoing mentorship, monthly creative learning activities, and meaningful opportunities for connection as teens work toward high school graduation and postsecondary pathways. With the 3-year grant, the Y will double the number of youth served, invest in modern creative technology and equipment, strengthen program evaluation, and lay the foundation for a youth-led digital media enterprise that will provide real-world workforce experience for participants.

"Every young person deserves a place where they feel they belong, where their creativity is celebrated, and where their voice matters. Thanks to Allen Family Philanthropies' investment in the Whatcom Family YMCA's Youth Institute Program, more teens throughout Whatcom County will discover their strengths and passions, build lasting relationships, and develop the confidence to shape their own futures."

Courtney Whitaker, CEO, Whatcom Family YMCA

The Y's Youth Institute program is a free program led by practicing teaching artists and youth development professionals. Participants explore filmmaking, digital media, visual arts, writing, and outdoor experiences while building confidence, leadership skills, and pathways to college, careers, and community connections. The program partners with school districts and community organizations to identify and refer teens who would benefit from additional opportunities for creative expression, trusted mentorship, and supportive relationships, particularly those facing barriers to success in traditional school settings.

Creative Youth Development

Creative Youth Development (CYD) is a structured approach that intentionally integrates hands-on artistic and creative practice into youth development programs to help young people develop the skills, perspective, and agency to navigate their lives and engage in their communities. Research shows participants and alumni of CYD programs demonstrate significantly higher rates of civic participation, self-expression, and youth leadership.

The CYD cohort spans disciplines from glass arts and theatre to music, photography, and digital media, serving youth across urban, rural, and tribal communities statewide. Over the next three years, these 10 organizations will also participate in a learning cohort, working alongside one another to strengthen their programs, share what they're learning within a strong network of support, and continue deepening CYD as a practice in Washington state.

For more information about the full cohort and the Allen Family Philanthropies announcement, visit Allen Family Philanthropies' CYD announcement.