Partnership news about Act Six and Seed Teachers

On April 30, 2024, Degrees of Change, the parent organization of Act Six and the Seed Teachers program, announced that this year’s incoming class of Act Six scholars will be the final cohort. This decision comes as the higher education landscape faces challenges, including financial strains, enrollment declines, and program reductions, which have also significantly impacted Degrees of Change and partnering institutions.

In 2008, PLU welcomed its inaugural group of Act Six Scholars, a program designed for emerging leaders committed to using their college education to effect positive change in their communities. Together, PLU and Act Six have graduated over 180 alumni over the past 16 years who have gone on to become dynamic public and private sector leaders and pillars in their respective communities.

Looking ahead, both the Act Six program and the pilot Seed Teachers program will each enroll one final cohort from PLU in Fall 2024 and continue to support current cohorts until their graduation from the university. 

PLU and Degrees of Change remain committed to supporting our Act Six Scholars and Seed Teachers as they continue their educational journeys. Financial aid for Act Six Scholars and Seed Teachers will remain unaffected throughout their undergraduate studies. Additionally, support services on campus and through Degrees of Change will continue.

PLU shares many values and goals with Degrees of Change. We hope to partner on future programs and initiatives.

FAQs

How does this impact financial aid for Act Six Scholars and Seed Teachers?

Financial aid for Act Six Scholars and Seed Teachers will remain unaffected throughout their undergraduate studies. Additionally, support services on campus and through Degrees of Change will continue.

What will happen to scholar support?

Wraparound support student services and resources from PLU and Degrees of Change will continue for each scholar. Additionally, financial aid for Act Six Scholars and Seed Teachers will remain unaffected throughout their undergraduate studies.

What does the end of Act Six mean for current scholars?

While new scholar recruitment will cease, PLU and Degrees of Change will continue to support current scholars until graduation. Degrees of Change: “Act Six is a family, and family is forever.”

What does the end of Act Six mean for alumni?

The Act Six program has had a transformative impact on PLU. We want to express our gratitude for PLU Act Six alumni whose dedication, passion, and leadership have shaped our community in countless ways. As the last cohort joins us in Fall 2024, we look forward to connecting with alumni and celebrating the program’s legacy over the next five years.