Trinity Education Foundation Frequently Asked Questions

Like many smaller private colleges, TLC experienced declining enrollment in recent years, making some tough decisions unavoidable. In early January 2016, the board of directors met to review the financial status of the school. It became clear that the fundraising and recruitment efforts that would be needed to sustain the college were beyond reach. Several options were presented to the board. In the end, a vote was taken and a unanimous decision was made to cease instruction on May 7, 2016. A subsequent announcement letter from the board was sent to faculty, staff and students. These actions did not affect the viability of Trinity Education Foundation, which continues its mission on an expanded basis.

Many TLC students transferred to other colleges. The TLC administration worked tirelessly to find transfer opportunities for those who would not graduate by the spring 2016 semester. Faculty met with each student to develop individualized plans. The administration worked with other four-year institutions to reach transfer agreements for qualifying credits.

If you currently have Trinity Lutheran College or the Lutheran Bible Institute-Seattle in your estate plan we encourage you to stay the course. With the continuation of the foundation your estate gift will ensure a college education and vocational service-learning experience for future students, allowing them to serve the world as God has gifted them. For details on how to include the Trinity Education Foundation in your estate plan, click here and our Executive Director will contact you within 24 hours .

Your Trinity Lutheran College degree is still valid and recognized as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and will remain eligible for graduate programs. Ceasing instruction does not change this. Lutheran Bible Institute certificates also remain unchanged.

The TEF is excited about its future and the opportunity to impact the lives of college students and their future to influence the world through their vocation. Scholarships will be offered in the areas of Ministry & Pastoral Leadership, Business Leadership, Seminary, and General. Funds will be used to support faith-based organizations that help students learn about their God-given opportunities to serve the world through their vocation. We’re grateful to God that there is opportunity for the Trinity/LBI movement to continue in this form!

The Trinity Education Foundation grants scholarships in the tradition of Trinity Lutheran College and the Lutheran Bible Institute-Seattle. The Trinity Education Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees who come from a range of professional backgrounds and share both a history with Trinity Lutheran College and LBI-Seattle and a passion to see students thrive in their vocations, in the spirit of TLC and LBI-Seattle.

If you would like to make a financial gift to help support scholarships given by the Foundation you may do so by making a gift to Trinity Lutheran College, designated to the Trinity Education Foundation. 100% of your gift will flow from the college to the foundation. After the new legal structure for the foundation is determined and finalized it will then be registered to receive gifts directly, and you’ll then be able to give electronically. We will keep you informed when this happens.

You can send your gift to:

Trinity Education Foundation
215 West Mukilteo Blvd. Suite 205
Everett, WA 98203

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Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, WA is the custodian of the TLC/LBI-Seattle student transcripts. Please contact the registrar’s office at PLU directly to request transcripts (www.plu.edu/registrar/). There is a charge.

E-mail: registrar@plu.edu

Phone: 253.535.7131