The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties has been awarded $6.2 million in federal funding to support the development of a new Early Learning Center (ELC) in downtown Bremerton, expanding access to affordable, high-quality early learning and childcare for working families.
The Bremerton ELC will help meet growing demand for childcare, particularly among employees at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), the largest employer in Kitsap County. By expanding convenient early learning and childcare options in downtown Bremerton, the project will support workforce retention and contribute to the region’s long-term economic stability. The funding was requested by Senator Patty Murray and approved in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.
“Families tell us that childcare is one of the biggest burdens they face while they struggle to make ends meet,” said Charlie Davis, President and CEO of the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. “We’re grateful to Senator Patty Murray for helping us secure this funding, which brings a real solution that supports working parents and strengthens the local workforce in Bremerton.”
“High-quality early learning plays a critical role in children’s growth and a family’s ability to work and thrive, and the Bremerton community deserves access to that kind of peace of mind,” said Stephanie Roberts, Operations Director at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. “The Bremerton Early Learning Center allows us to expand in a way that supports local children and parents, as well as the broader community."
This investment builds on the YMCA’s recent expansion in Bremerton, including the Marina Square Express YMCA. Together, these projects reflect the YMCA’s continued commitment to meeting the needs of working families in Kitsap County through accessible programs and services.
Additional details regarding project timing, partnerships, and enrollment will be shared as planning milestones are finalized.
Across Pierce and Kitsap Counties, the YMCA serves more than 1,500 children through 3 early learning centers and 21 child care locations.