A major milestone for inclusion in Washington has arrived!

The University of Washington has been named a National Banner Unified Champion College by Special Olympics Washington, becoming the first college in the state to receive this prestigious recognition.

This designation represents the highest level of achievement within the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) model. It recognizes colleges and universities that are not just participating in inclusion efforts, but fully embracing them across campus culture, leadership, and student experience.

What National Banner Status Means

National Banner Unified Champion Colleges meet rigorous standards centered on three core components:

  • Unified Sports, where students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities compete together
  • Inclusive Youth Leadership, empowering students of all abilities to lead
  • Whole campus engagement, creating a culture of belonging that extends beyond athletics

At its core, this recognition is about building environments where all students feel seen, valued, and included.

A First for Washington

While several K–12 schools across Washington have achieved National Banner status, this moment marks the first time a college in the state has reached this level.

At the University of Washington, inclusion is not just a program. It is part of the student experience. Through Unified Sports, student-led initiatives, and campus-wide engagement, UW has created meaningful opportunities for connection, leadership, and shared experiences.

The result is a campus culture rooted in dignity, respect, and belonging.

Why It Matters

Unified Champion Schools programming continues to play a critical role in shaping more inclusive communities. By bringing students together across ability levels, these programs help reduce bullying, increase understanding, and foster lasting relationships.

This recognition signals what is possible when inclusion is prioritized at every level of an institution.

Celebrating the Moment

The achievement will be celebrated on April 17 during a University of Washington baseball game as part of Special Olympics College Challenge Week. The National Banner presentation will recognize the students, leaders, and community members who made this milestone possible.

As more colleges and universities look to create inclusive environments, the University of Washington is setting the standard for what that can look like in higher education.

And this is just the beginning.