Racial Equity Coalition - United Way of King County

Fostering Love and Liberation for Our Youth.

Every young person deserves an education where they feel seen, supported, and rooted in their culture and community. But educational disparities in King County remain a critical issue, where race and ZIP code still strongly influence student outcomes despite the region’s overall wealth.

The Racial Equity Coalition (REC) brings together 14 community-based organizations led by and serving communities of color across intersections, committed to creating spaces where youth can learn, grow, and thrive.

Organizations provide a variety of programs including mental health services, sports teams, youth-led advocacy, mentoring, arts and performance, tutoring, and basic needs support all of which are rooted in celebrating students’ cultures and address the unique needs and challenges of being a student of color.

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At A Glance

In 2025,

1,697 youth served

76% of youth reported cultivating a positive cultural identity

85% said they gained self-advocacy skills

82% said they felt a sense of belonging

EQUITY WORK AND SYSTEMS CHANGE

As a convener and grant maker, United Way of King County brings REC organizations together under a participatory model to share resources, strengthen capacity, and amplify impact.

United Way of King County convenes executive leaders and frontline staff from across the coalition monthly for shared learning, capacity, and community building. We provide the infrastructure that enables partner organizations to focus on serving young people while ensuring they have the resources and relationships to grow their impact.

Racial Equity Coalition PARTNERS

No one does this work alone. Together, we’re supporting and celebrating diverse youth in our community.

In Their Words

“What we have been experiencing with participatory grantmaking is really the beginning of restoration and healing for our communities and a way that we move together as a whole. United Way of King County has done that work and centered our Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities at the forefront. The participatory grantmaking model is letting us lead that process. It’s truly the only way forward. There is no other way.”

—Russell Brooks, Red Eagle Soaring

“I’ve been with FEEST for 3 years and it’s changed me so much in knowing how important mental health is, within not only yourself but in everyone! I’ve improved my skills in public speaking, sharing out what FEEST is doing and facilitating, engaging with others and just much more.”

—Student supported by FEEST

“When I was in 7th grade, I was going through a really difficult transition from elementary to middle school. Everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming, and one of the biggest challenges I faced was in math. I remember feeling lost—like no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t keep up. I honestly started to lose hope in myself. But then I met someone who changed everything: my math tutor. With patience, kindness, and consistency, they helped me find my confidence again. They never made me feel small for asking questions and instead showed me that it was okay to struggle, as long as I kept trying. They didn’t just help me pass my classes—they helped me believe in myself when I couldn’t do it on my own. Looking back, that experience was a turning point in my education. It planted the seed of perseverance.”

—Student supported by 4C Coalition

Support the Racial Equity Coalition

Education can open doors, but only if we remove the barriers. Your investment middle and high schoolers who need to know they belong.

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