The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta announces the Student Loan Debt Pilot program that will pay off up to $30,000 in student loan debt borrowers in the Community Foundation of three neighborhoods of focus in metro Atlanta: South Cobb (Fair Oaks); South Fulton (College Park and East Point); and Thomasville.

The initiative of the Community Foundation was launched less than two months before federal student loan payments are set to resume

The Community Foundation aims to mitigate the impact of student loan debt in disregarded communities, which borrow at higher rates than white communities. This student loan debt contributes to the racial wealth gap and has continuing implications for financial, physical, and mental health.

People are going to college for a better life and to better their family and their future. They’re signing up for student debt loans because that’s the only way they can afford college, says Lauren Thomas Priest, program officer for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

The Student Loan Debt Pilot program of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta comes just two months after the Supreme Court turned down President Biden’s plan to forgive student loan debt for millions of American student borrowers.

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Community Foundation in Greater Atlanta strategic initiative

The Student Loan Debt Pilot program is rooted in the strategic priorities of the Community Foundation and Place-Based Philanthropy and Income and Wealth Systems Change, the organization whose strategic initiative is to advance equity and shared prosperity throughout the community.

Donors interested in supporting the program should contact the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Philanthropy team.

The  Student Loan Debt Pilot program application opens on August 15th and closes on September 15th. Students or parents who want to apply for the Student Loan Debt Pilot program of the Community Foundation should first complete a profile and then access the application.

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