The Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling is making a historic investment in student access, committing nearly $400,000 in new need-based scholarships for incoming graduate students beginning in fall 2026.
The initiative comes in response to the federal government’s elimination of the Grad PLUS loan program, which previously helped students finance graduate education in fields such as teaching, school counseling, and mental health. To help address the gap left by that change, Lewis & Clark has created the Bridge the Gap Scholarship, which will provide financial support to every incoming graduate student with documented financial need whose program begins in fall 2026.
“At this moment, as the federal government is actively divesting in higher education, we have an obligation to show up and support our students,” says Andy Saultz, dean of the Graduate School of Education and Counseling. “Just because funding goes away doesn’t mean the need in our communities disappears.”
The investment reflects Lewis & Clark’s longstanding commitment to preparing professionals who serve the public good. Oregon faces significant shortages of both educators and mental health professionals. Over the past decade, Lewis & Clark has trained more mental health professionals than any other program in the state while continuing to prepare educators committed to equity and social justice.
The graduate school is also launching fundraising efforts to sustain and grow the program in the years ahead. Alumni and friends who wish to support the Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund can help ensure that future Lewis & Clark graduate students continue to access high-quality programs in education and counseling.
