Lutes Take the Lead: Advocating for the Future of Financial Aid
PLU students head to Olympia for “Student Advocacy Lobby Day” to defend the College Bound Scholarship and protect the promise of affordable education for all.
Image: Five PLU students traveled to Olympia in January to testify in front of the WA State Legislature to #SaveStudentAid
Presented by: PLU Student Legislative Fellows
- Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
- Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Washington State Capitol, 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98504
- Cost: Free! Learn more at plu.edu/advocacy
About the event
With the future of Washington’s student financial aid in jeopardy, PLU students are traveling to advocate directly to state legislators in Olympia. This is a critical opportunity to defend essential financial aid programs, including the College Bound Scholarship and the Washington College Grant. By participating, students will help secure the future of financial aid access. Throughout the day, students will meet directly with legislators, attend committee meetings and floor action, take tours of the Capitol, and learn firsthand about advocacy and the importance of student voice in discussions of student aid.
Why now?
The Washington State Legislature approved a new law in Spring 2025 to reduce College Bound and College Grant scholarships for students attending private, not-for-profit universities. The College Bound Scholarship and Washington College Grant programs are built on a simple, powerful promise: that hard work and big dreams deserve a fair shot at a college education, no matter a student’s family income. These programs were designed to help Lutes — our students — thrive and pursue the academic and vocational path that best fits their calling.
Why this matters
For over a decade, PLU has answered the state’s call to expand access to higher education, and it now serves nearly 25% of all College Bound Scholars attending private, nonprofit schools in Washington. While likely unintended, these cuts affect PLU more than any other university in the state. Consequently, our students face an annual loss of approximately $5.7 million in financial aid.
This funding gap is particularly devastating given that College Bound students—one-fourth of the total PLU student body—come from families earning an average of $33,000 per year. In addition, College Bound students at PLU are 75% students of color, and 76% are the first in their families to attend college. These reductions threaten to dismantle years of progress in higher-education access.
Because of College Bound, I don’t have to worry about the anxiety that comes with finding a way to pay for college. So I’m really able to hone in on what I want to do vocationally, which is higher ed work or more education advocacy work. I’m able to just dig into that rather than have to spend hours at a job trying to save up for paying up school.
Ashley LM, Algona
Your voice is crucial to restoring this vital funding, safeguarding our students’ futures, and upholding our shared mission of building a strong, diverse local workforce. Take action, use your voice, and help save student aid by connecting with your legislators. Find talking points, resources, and ways to stay informed throughout this legislative session at plu.edu/advocacy.
Sponsoring departments
- PLU Advocacy
- Student Legislative Fellows
- Department of Social Work
- Office of the President
- DJS Coalition Community Connection