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