We’re thrilled to announce our newest grantee partner, the Washington Youth Alliance (WYA)!
WYA organizes young people under 24 across Washington to build leadership, learn how policy works, and take action on the issues that matter most to them—from education access and school safety to climate justice and mental health. Through training, policy campaigns, and statewide youth organizing, WYA ensures young people are not only heard, but directly shaping decisions at the local and state level.
Young people today face challenges that no generation before them has dealt with in the same way—gun violence, political instability, the looming reality of climate change. Many of the youth we work with want to make a difference but don’t know where to start. Our partnership with SVP will help us deepen our programs and support even more young people who are ready to lead.”
Why WYA Was Selected
SVP’s Engage Cohort selected WYA because of their strong youth leadership and commitment to elevating youth voice in policy change. Youth leadership is essential to advancing racial equity in education—especially in a system where young people often hold the least power despite being most affected by decisions.
In late 2024, SVP Seattle launched the Engage Cohort to explore how philanthropy can support racial equity in education. Over seven months, the cohort—made up of nonprofit leaders, youth advocates, and professionals from across sectors—learned together about the challenges facing education in Washington. The Cohort was co-facilitated by Maile Hadley, an SVP Partner and national leader in education.
The Cohort used the Liberatory Design process to develop a grant and partnership opportunity for an organization that centers youth in decision-making and prioritizes youth leadership development. After reviewing and interviewing organizations across the state, the Cohort selected WYA for their clear commitment to youth-led policy and shared leadership.
Why WYA Was Selected
SVP’s Engage Cohort selected WYA because of their strong youth leadership and commitment to elevating youth voice in policy change. Youth leadership is essential to advancing racial equity in education—especially in a system where young people often hold the least power despite being most affected by decisions.
In late 2024, SVP Seattle launched the Engage Cohort to explore how philanthropy can support racial equity in education. Over seven months, the cohort—made up of nonprofit leaders, youth advocates, and professionals from across sectors—learned together about the challenges facing education in Washington. The Cohort was co-facilitated by Maile Hadley, an SVP Partner and national leader in education.
The Cohort used the Liberatory Design process to develop a grant and partnership opportunity for an organization that centers youth in decision-making and prioritizes youth leadership development. After reviewing and interviewing organizations across the state, the Cohort selected WYA for their clear commitment to youth-led policy and shared leadership.
What the Partnership Includes
WYA will receive an unrestricted $25,000 grant and volunteer support from SVP Partners on board development and youth leadership training. As grantee partners, SVP will also have the opportunity to learn from WYA’s emerging leaders and strengthen our shared commitment to youth-led change.
WYA embodies what it means to reimagine philanthropy—centering those closest to the challenges and trusting them to lead the solutions. We’re honored to partner with their brilliant youth leaders and support the future they’re building.