YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation Scholarship Program
As part of the YMCA's commitment to supporting youth in the Dallas area, we proudly offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors. These scholarships empower students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, community service involvement, and a strong desire to pursue higher education.
Supporting Future Generations: Our Donors’ Impact
The YMCA is fortunate to have long-time supporters from the Dye, King, Fina, and Phipps Foundations. In addition, generous individual donors have established endowments to sustain and grow the YMCA college scholarship fund, ensuring that students for years to come will have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to receive:
- $40,000 Scholarship: $5,000 per fall and spring semester for 4 years
- $20,000 Scholarship: $2,500 per fall and spring semester for 4 years
- 18 x $12,000 Scholarships: $1,500 per fall and spring semester for 4 years
Selection Process
Our dedicated team of volunteers carefully reviews applications to select deserving recipients each year. The process includes:
- Initial review – A team of volunteers will assess student applications based on financial need, GPA, community involvement, and demonstration of the YMCA’s core values. They will narrow the applications to the top 40 students.
- Group interviews: A separate group of volunteers will conduct four rounds of in-person group interviews and one personal interview. The top 20 students will be selected to receive a scholarship.
This rigorous selection process ensures that each recipient embodies the YMCA’s values of academic achievement, community service, and personal motivation.
Know a Graduating Senior in 2026?
If you know a high school senior in the Dallas YMCA service area graduating in 2026, encourage them to apply for this incredible opportunity!
The YMCA Scholarship Application will close on January 23rd, 2026.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
A Legacy of Giving: Wendy Barber & Kathy Hamilton
Wendy Barber grew up in the White Rock Lake area, where her mother, a single parent, was determined to provide her with the best education possible. When it came time for college, Wendy initially believed it was financially out of reach.
However, her mother discovered Kathy Hamilton, who oversaw the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas college scholarship program. Wendy applied and was awarded a scholarship to support her education at Texas Tech University.
Inspired by her own experience, Wendy later joined the YMCA, beginning as a program director for college scholarships and rising to District Executive. After 13 years of dedicated service, she left to start her own business.
Upon retiring last year, Wendy established The Kathy Hamilton Scholarship, a college scholarship fund at the Y named in honor of Kathy Hamilton. Together with her wife, Tammy Patterson, they created endowment gifts to ensure their impact lasts beyond their lifetimes. Wendy’s estate plan also includes a scholarship for a student at Bryan Adams High School and funding for programs at the White Rock Y.
The Jordan Family Fund: Investing in the Future
William and Toby Jordan established the Jordan Family Fund, a significant endowed fund designed to provide scholarships and support YMCA branches most in need.
Will has been involved with the YMCA for more than 40 years, holding leadership roles including Association Board Chair and Foundation Board Chair. Over the years, Will and Toby have been deeply engaged in YMCA programs—Adventure Guides, sports, swimming, and family vacations at the YMCA of the Rockies—while raising their sons.
When presented with the opportunity to double their gift through the MacKenzie Scott matching initiative, Will and Toby took action. Rather than waiting for a planned gift, they established their endowed fund now, ensuring their support makes an immediate impact in communities that need it most.
Vilfordi Family College Scholarship
The Vilfordi Family, rooted in their parents' values and principles, places a high value on work ethic, education, and community involvement. To honor that commitment, the family created the Vilfordi Family Endowment Fund through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation.
Through that endowment fund, the Lake Highlands Family YMCA Working Scholarship was established to promote and support the local community by providing college scholarships to graduating high school students or existing college students affiliated with the Lake Highlands YMCA as staff or members and/or from the local community. The scholarship is geared toward students who, in addition to working, maintain a balance between academic success and community involvement while representing sound values, ethics, and character. The scholarship is available to both graduating high school seniors and current college students.
Congratulations to the 2026 YMCA College Scholarship Recipients!
We proudly celebrate the outstanding students selected for this year’s scholarships.
Madeline Welling
Magdaline Marcum
Rachael Frazer
Precious Akhigbe
Samara Aletan
Finn Nico Barrow
Micaela Donley
Ariatna Flores
Nichole Hinostroza
Gabriel Miller
Yazhini Mohankumar
Riley Morriss
Nancy Nguyen
Grace Pesek
Kevin Pointer
Tejomaye Ramen Suresh
Jimena Rosas
Sarah Spychalski
Jake Sullivan
Navier Walder
Bemnet Wogeta
About The Foundation
For over 30 years, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation has helped support the mission of the Dallas YMCA through generous individuals and families who have recognized the ability to impact the lives of so many through a gift to the Dallas YMCA Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation, its history, and our leadership team.