PLU is on a mission to protect Washington state financial aid programs: the Washington College Grant and College Bound, for students who choose to attend private, nonprofit universities. It is a vital state resource that 1 in 4 students depend on to attend PLU, and was reduced by nearly half in the last Legislative session. 

By engaging in advocacy efforts, we can demonstrate to legislators that safeguarding educational choice is a critical state priority. The financial aid students earn should follow them equitably, no matter where they decide to attend college in the State. PLU is committed to helping students protect this promise, and by raising our voices, we can ensure everyone has access to the higher education environment that best fits their needs.

This choice is vital not just for students, but for the future of Washington’s economy. According to the Washington Roundtable, our state is projected to generate 1.5 million job openings between 2023 and 2032 due to rapid growth and retirements. Roughly 75% of these positions will require credentials beyond high school, and 45% will demand a bachelor’s or advanced degree.

To fill this massive workforce gap, Washington needs every graduate it can get. Restricting financial aid options only creates barriers for students who find their perfect academic and professional fit at independent colleges like PLU. By fixing cuts to financial aid, lawmakers ensure that a diverse pool of Washington students can efficiently earn the degrees our job market desperately needs.

This Legislative Toolkit provides the resources you need to engage effectively with legislators on behalf of PLU and your own future. While these materials focus specifically on the Washington College Bound Scholarship, they also serve as a foundational guide for any future advocacy work you do. Remember, your voice has the power to protect financial aid.

This toolkit is divided into three sections designed to prepare you to engage with the LEGISLATURE, the ISSUE, and ADVOCACY. Under each section, you’ll be armed with information about the scholarship, its impact on PLU and Washington state government, and how to tell your story. Let’s get started!