Student Loan Finance Association Sponsors I’m Going to College Day

On April 26, 2004, 135 sixth-grade students from Evergreen Elementary, located in Spanaway in the Bethel School District, visited Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) for the fifth annual I’m Going to College Day, sponsored by Student Loan Finance Association.

During the event, Congressman Adam Smith spoke to the students about the value of education. In addition, the young participants toured PLU’s Lagerquist Hall music room, met players from the PLU football team, attended a biology class at Reike Science Center and had lunch in the cafeteria. Each student received a backpack filled with important tools for education and an I’m Going to College T-shirt.

I’m Going to College introduces children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to college preparation and financial aid programs that can help them pay for postsecondary education. Through classroom activities, discussions and the campus visit, the children learn about the benefits of a college degree and begin to see themselves as potential college students.

Student Loan Finance Association has also sponsored I’m Going to College events at Everett Community College, Wenatchee Community College and Portland State University.

Here is some of the feedback we received from Evergreen Elementary students.

“Thank you for the backpacks. I really needed a dictionary. The water bottle was great too. The backpack was cool too. But most of all thank you for encouraging me to go to college.” — Henk

“I had a great time at PLU campus.” — Julio

“Thank you for taking valuable time out of your day to talk to us about college. Thanks for the free gifts, wonderful lunch and for taking us on a tour of PLU.” — Andrew

“Thank you for letting Evergreen come to PLU today. It was really fun to “go to college.” I know it took time from your schedule but it was for a good reason. The guide was awesome.” — Lacy

“I had a whole bunch of fun.” — Brand