Golfing for Good: 23rd Annual Governors’ Cup Golf Tournament Funds Scholarships for Foster Youth in Washington

On a glorious fall day in late September, Governor Jay Inslee, former governors Gary Locke and Christine Gregoire, and College Success Foundation CEO and President James Dorsey welcomed golfers to the Governors’ Cup Golf Tournament. Now in its 23rd year, this annual event brings business and community leaders together to raise funds for the Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth, which enables alumni of foster care to attend college in Washington.

This unique scholarship benefits 25-35 new scholars each year, providing annual financial support for up to five years so they can complete their undergraduate studies. Since its inception, the scholarship has provided more than $5.6 million to nearly 650 alumni of foster care. This year’s event raised more than $290,000.

Codie’s Story: A Little Support Goes a Long Way

During a late afternoon reception, CSF alum and Governors’ Scholarship recipient Codie shared her personal story with tournament participants. After a rocky start in life, Codie was placed with a foster family who changed her perspective, providing stability, consistency and love. With a lot of hard work and dedication, Codie graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class. She went on to attend St. Martin’s University with financial support from the Governors’ Scholarship, graduating summa cum laude, and later completed her master’s degree in social work at the University of Washington.

Codie spoke about the impact CSF and the scholarship had on her life. “The Governors’ Scholarship was a much-needed financial support,” she said. “Not only was the money important, but the staff at College Success Foundation mentored and supported me through those early years.”

About the Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth

The Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth awards amounts ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to young people who have navigated the foster care system and are planning to continue their education at any two- or four-year college or university in Washington state. To donate, please visit our donation page. 

CSF would like to recognize our tournament sponsors, who make this event possible. We’d especially like to thank our lead sponsor, Amazon, and founding sponsor KKR.