SUPPORT PLU STUDENTS
The Washington State Legislature approved a new law in Spring 2025 to reduce College Bound scholarships for students attending private, not-for-profit universities, beginning in Fall 2027. 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 college by serving more College Bound Scholars—students whose families earn an average of $33,000 per year—than any other private, not-for-profit university in Washington. Nearly one in four PLU students are College Bound Scholars; 75% are students of color, and 76% are first-generation college students.
These state-level funding cuts jeopardize up to $6,500 per year for College Bound students. 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.
“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 Lopez Mora ’26
Political Science; Hispanic Studies
Business Administration Minor
The Hard Facts: What Changed?
Senate Bill 5785 (2025 Legislative Session) drastically changes how Washington State Financial Aid supports PLU students.
College Bound Program
BEFORE SB 5785
Students received ≈$13,000
(Until 2026-27)
AFTER SB 5785 (Starting Academic Year)
Students will receive ≈$6,500
(Starting 2027-28)
THE IMPACT
≈$6,500 decrease per student, per year.
College Grant Program
BEFORE SB 5785
Students could receive up to ≈$9,739
(Until 2025-26)
AFTER SB 5785 (Starting Academic Year)
Students could receive up to ≈$6,200
(Starting 2026-27)
THE IMPACT
≈$3,539 decrease per student, per year.
OUR TEAM
To amplify the student voice and restore crucial state student aid funding, a dedicated team of four PLU Student Advocacy Fellows is leading student organizing efforts to fix these cuts to the Washington College Bound Scholarship.
Meet Sophia
I’m Sophia Lana Castro (she/her), joining your Student Advocacy Fellows team all the way from Okinawa, Japan, and Lakewood, WA! I’m a triple major in Environmental Studies, Global Studies, and Political Science, graduating with the Class of 2029.
To me, advocacy is a vital way to honor the people who fought for the privileges I enjoy today. It’s about continuing their legacy. I joined this fellowship because I deeply believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for a quality education, no matter their background. I’m excited to give back to PLU and our surrounding community! (Fun fact: I’ve seen Billie Eilish four times!)
Meet Cady
I’m Cady Wood (she/her), a Political Science major (Class of 2026) from Salem, Oregon, and a proud member of your Student Advocacy Fellows team!
Advocacy is close to my heart—it’s how I first got into politics and learned to use my voice to share what matters most. I joined this fellowship because I deeply believe that all students should have access to secondary education, and I care about protecting the unique community PLU offers. (Fun fact: I can tap dance!)
Meet Ava
I’m Ava Foley (she/her), an economics major (Class of 2025), from Martin City, Montana, and proud to be on the Student Fellows!
Advocacy is important to me because everyone has an important story or issue that affects them, and it’s necessary that people are given the skills and opportunity to advocate for themselves. I joined the fellowship because it was a great opportunity to strengthen my skills, learn about education policy, and support the PLU community. (Fun fact: I’ve solo-traveled in Argentina and Spain!)
Meet Cooper
I’m Cooper Perez (he/him), from Maple Valley, Washington, a double major in theatre and history (Class of 2026), and proud to be on the Fellows Team!
Advocacy is important to me because I wish to protect and share the many privileges I have been able to experience. I joined the fellowship because I intend to become an educator and eventually an administrator in the public school system. Working with educational policy was a great first step in the door for this career path. (Fun fact: I am a classically trained vocalist, a baritone to be exact!)
What the Fellows Do
The Fellows are responsible for many advocacy activities designed to empower and mobilize the PLU community.
Gather Student Stories
Collecting powerful accounts to demonstrate the real-world impact of financial aid and the value of a PLU education.
Conduct Policy Research
Analyzing policy effects to inform our advocacy strategies.
Host Training & Events
Organizing workshops and sessions to equip students with advocacy skills.
Create Advocacy Toolkits
Developing resources for students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Communicate & Engage
Informing the broader student body about their vital role in advocacy.
Upcoming Advocacy Events
Feb 10, 2026
Student PLU Lobby Day in Olympia
- Register to join your fellow classmates on the bus to advocate directly to state legislators!