While President Bush may be thinking of first lady Barbara this Valentine's Day, the "education president" -- or at least his secretaries -- will be receiving valentines of a different sort.

For the second year, the United States Student Association is asking college students across the country to phone the White House today and request more federal funds for higher education.

"Ask the president to be a sweetheart for education, it could be his present to America," said Julius Davis, the group's vice president.

Under the Reagan administration, higher education received less funding than in previous years -- a trend Bush seems to be continuing, Davis said.

In 1983, 83 percent of all grants were covered by federal funds but since then has dropped to 47 percent, Davis said.

"We're on the short end of receiving education," he said. "Since this trend, we've seen a decline in enrollment of people of color and the poor."

Robert Evans, University director of financial aid, said under the current budget proposal, funding for student aid would be decreased.

"There's no question in my mind that there's not enough grant money," he said.

While fewer students are able to attend college without the aid, many are becoming pessimistic about even trying to further their education, Davis said.

"The overall morale of people in poor communities isn't good, since that opportunity (to attend college) has been taken away from them," he said.

Many members of Congress want to make student aid funds more accessible, said Rick Jerue, staff director for the House Postsecondary Education Committee.

"Certainly the budget is an obstacle but not an insurmountable obstacle," Jerue said.

Four-hundred University students will be losing at least part of their student aid next year. Among those programs affected will be the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, College Work-Study Employment Program and the Perkins Loan Program.

Davis said it is too early in the lobbying process to predict how the higher education budget will fare in Congress.

"We always have our allies; we always have people who are going to bat for us," he said.

Because this is an election year, Davis said student lobbyists should be able to garner more support.

"We can build on the excitement of election time and make sure our issues are on the forefront," Davis said. "It puts us in a good position."

Made up of about 300 student representatives from across the country, the Washington-based United States Student Association lobbies for student interests.

Established in 1847, the group, besides working on Valentine's Day, trains students to be their own advocates both on campus and in Washington, D.C.

The number of the Capitol Switchboard to call Bush is (202) 224-3121.