Today, King County became the first public agency to receive the Year Up United Impact Award, recognizing its commitment to creating pathways to opportunity through the Year Up United internship program. Presented by John Stanton, Chairman of the Seattle Mariners and Trilogy International Partners and founding Chairman of the Year Up United Puget Sound Board, and Shawna Boggie, Year Up United Deputy Director of Western Washington, the national award recognizes corporate partners and individuals who demonstrate longstanding and significant support for their mission of closing the Opportunity Divide.  

After three years of a successful partnership, the county also signed a new $1.125 million agreement to continue the internship program for five more years, expanding opportunities for future Year Up interns. 

"Talent is everywhere, but access to opportunity is not, and that’s why this partnership matters. King County values people, and we value the mission of Year Up United to close the opportunity divide by opening real pathways for young adults," said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. "After years of seeing the impact of this work, we’re proud to be recognized and to deepen our commitment, because when we invest in our people and believe in their potential, we strengthen our workforce and our entire community. I’m grateful to the King County staff who spearheaded this partnership and continue to drive it forward, to Year Up United for this recognition, and to the interns whose talent and determination are already making a difference as they work toward their dreams.” 

“I’m honored to present the 2026 Year Up United Impact Award to King County,” said Stanton, who helped found the program in Seattle 15 years ago. “As a longtime supporter of Year Up United, I know how critical our business employer partners are to the success of this program. Our students arrive well prepared for their internships but it takes commitment, leadership and vision on the employer side to make this work. King County exemplifies that and more. We look forward to a long and meaningful partnership.” 

Year Up United  is a national nonprofit that connects talented young adults ages 18–29 to professional careers through skills training, mentorship, and paid internships. The program supports young people who face barriers to traditional career pathways—including those without a four-year degree or who need to balance work and other responsibilities—by providing the experience, support, and connections needed to succeed in professional roles across the public and private sectors. 

“This partnership sparked by King County Procurement and Payables’ team represents what’s possible when public service and workforce development come together with intention,” said R. Thomas Wilson, Director of Corporate Engagement, Year Up United. “What began as a pilot in 2023 has grown into a proven model for creating real, living-wage career pathways for local talent. Signing this five-year agreement reflects a shared commitment to equity, access, and investing in the communities we serve. We’re incredibly proud to continue this work alongside King County and build on the impact we’ve already seen.” 

King County’s Department of Executive Services (DES) initiated the partnership with Year Up. Chief Procurement Officer Terry Blake invited the first cohort of Year Up interns to Procurement and Payables in 2023 after seeing the positive impact of the program during his tenure in the private sector.   

Since that time, King County has worked with nearly 50 interns, 19 of which have transitioned into full-time living wage professional careers, including public sector roles throughout King County departments including the Procurement and Payables team within DES, Public Health – Seattle & King County, King County Treasury Operations, and King County Metro.