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The YWCA of Washington State College was established in 1895. It provided the women of the college a place to worship, held bible classes, locate housing and employment. It also served as a social organization that participated with the YWCA of Washington State College. A popular social event in the 1910's-1930's were the conferences held at Seabeck, (located on Washington's Hood's Canal). Topics at Seabeck focused on issues of the YWCA's and YMCA's of the Pacific Northwest.

During the 1940's the chapter concentrated on global issues, the YWCA had plans to send care packages overseas although the lack of funds prohibited such action. In the 1950's-1960's the organization studied politics and world relations, presenting programs on various subjects, including the war in Vietnam and the Democratic system. In 1969 the YWCA adopted the imperative "the elimination of racism". Programs of the 1970's and the 1980's offered more projects on cultural awareness in the United States.

Membership grew steadily throughout the years, peaking in 1954 with 711 members. In 1972 the membership had dropped to 219 members. The student body provided sole support for the YWCA until 1917 when the University partially funded the secretary's salary. Other assistance was provided by the Helen A. Fuller Endowment Fund established by Fuller in 1929. Presently, the United Way supports over 75% of the YWCA budget.