RENTON, Wash. – The Seahawks announced today the 2026 Game Changers Program presented by BECU, a program that engages youth and teens through interactive leadership development programming and opportunities to empower their peers and communities. The Seahawks, Boys and Girls Clubs of King County and BECU will collaborate on the multi-week educational program aimed at inspiring the next generation of Game Changers in the community.
"Game Changers empowers young people to have open conversations, strengthen their leadership skills and open doors to new perspectives," said Mario Bailey. "We're proud to work alongside BECU and Boys & Girls Clubs of King County to provide experiences and tools that will help these teens be the future leaders in our community."
The 2026 Game Changers curriculum is facilitated by experienced youth development leaders Scott Koenning, program management and development consultant, and Dr. Collin Williams, curriculum and facilitator development consultant, who have played an instrumental role in developing and delivering Game Changers programming over the years.
"Seahawks Game Changers gives participating youth a chance to build skills in leadership and social justice, enjoy new experiences, and connect with new people," said Koenning.
"These outstanding young people are already Game Changers," said Williams. "This program gives them a boost to keep making positive change."
Weekly discussion topics from the 2026 curriculum will include:
- Session 1: Identity
- Session 2: Diversity Concepts
- Session 3: Bias
- Session 4: Privilege
- Session 5: Sport as a Vehicle for Change
- Session 6: BECU
"It's been inspiring to see the collective of teens from across our county come together and experience this Game Changers program," said Derrick Thomas, Senior Teen Program Director for Boys and Girls Clubs. "We have been able to grow and change the programming alongside what is relevant and important to teens today. By giving them the knowledge, we give them the tools to identify and address the things they currently encounter in their communities while fostering leadership skills they develop doing this 6-week program."
For the third year, the program will include a field trip to BECU's corporate headquarters in Tukwila, Wash. Through a financial reality fair and cybersecurity lesson, participants will engage in hands-on activities designed to build practical skills for managing their financial futures and navigating an increasingly digital world.
BECU will also award two youth with $2,500 scholarships as part of the program.
"There's something powerful about seeing young people engage with real-world financial decisions and begin to recognize what's possible for their future," said James Thomas, vice president of organizational equity, inclusion and belonging at BECU. "We're grateful for this annual partnership and the opportunity to help young people build financial skills they can carry with them long after the program ends."
The program will conclude with a Seahawks gameday experience for teens at the Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals game on November 8, as well as a special post-program teen night.
For more information, visit seahawks.com/gamechangers.
