A promise worth fighting for
Image: Over 50 students appeared at the capitol to meet with legislators to advocate for student financial aid during Lobby Day, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Olympia, Wash. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean)
By Jeffrey Roberts
PLU Marketing and Communications
In 2007, Washington State made a promise to low-income students that if they worked hard, graduated high school, and stayed out of trouble, the state would help pay for their college. That promise, cemented in the College Bound Scholarship and Washington College Grant programs, helped Lutes open doors for nearly two decades; but in 2025, the Washington State Legislature broke that promise.
“It’s hard to walk away from those students,” said Allan Belton, president of Pacific Lutheran University, to the Seattle Times. “The state promised them those funds, and now they’re not there. These are exactly the students the state asked us to serve, and they’re turning their backs on them.”
Lawmakers halved College Bound awards for private university students and deeply cut the Washington College Grant. At PLU, where one in four students relies on this funding, the stakes weren’t abstract – they were personal. These cuts immediately jeopardized students’ ability to choose the right school, or even attend college at all.
"I went to Olympia and shared my story about why College Bound affected me. I testified twice during the legislative session – one of those times being there for about eight hours waiting to testify. Meeting with legislators really made me think more about how much people can make a difference by simply showing up and using their voice. Although we were not able to get the bill passed, I saw how advocacy takes courage and persistence, and I hope that my involvement encouraged others to speak up."
PLU mobilized students, staff, faculty, and alumni around a single message: restoring this funding was not a budget line item – it was keeping a promise. With a narrow 60-day window to convince lawmakers, Lutes rallied behind Senate Bill 5828, which would restore cuts to student financial aid.
Supporters flooded the legislative session. Throughout the state, the community called policymakers and poured emails into legislative offices, while over 1,000 members formally signed in “PRO.” Lutes testified both virtually and in person, some waiting upwards of eight hours to ensure their voices were heard.
College Bound Awards Slashed
new average award amount (was $13,000)
WA College Grant Cut
new average award amount (was $9,739)
PLU Impact
of PLU students rely on funding
Demographics
of PLU College Bound Scholars are students of color
"Advocacy is believing in something where you are willing to devote time and resources to support it. The effort reinforced my pride in PLU – it showed how the school is committed to its students and the desire to get quality education to all, not just a few. PLU always honors their commitments to students and education. I look forward to the upcoming effort."
One of the most visible moments came during Student Advocacy Lobby Day, when more than 50 PLU students made the trip to the state capitol in Olympia to demonstrate the power of collective voice. Students spent the day meeting directly with representatives, sitting in on floor sessions, and building critical relationships to spark policy change. For many, it was their first time inside the Capitol, but their courage and community showed the state exactly what PLU advocacy looks like.
"As a first-generation student myself, I see so much of myself in our students and know how hard and vulnerable it can feel to tell personal stories to powerful legislators. This campaign really drove home the ways a PLU education can change not only a student's life path, but also the trajectories of their family and communities. When I hear the story of a low-income or first-generation college student talking about where they started and where they're going – it really puts into perspective the importance of investing in education."
Senate Bill 5828 passed the Senate with bipartisan support, but ultimately failed to receive a House floor vote before the session closed, leaving the funding un restored.
But the fight isn’t over. Because the full cuts don’t take effect until the 2027-28 academic year, PLU is already planning for the next session. Having built stronger partnerships and a more influential voice in Olympia, this capable and caring community will continue to push forward until this funding is fully restored.
"Students start out nervous and unsure about the issues. By the end of the day, they were all over the Capitol, connecting to their representatives and feeling comfortable in the People's House. Anytime I go anywhere with PLU students, I am always amazed at how they care for each other – whether by being each other's cheerleaders or confidence boosters. Even if you aren't successful or don't meet your goal, you make inroads that you can pick up next year. Policy change takes time and we all have to be ready to engage in the long haul."
