Join the Community Action Council!
The Project on Predatory Student Lending (PPSL) is excited to announce applications are open for our Community Action Council! This is your chance to join a committed group of individuals fighting against predatory lending practices in higher education.
As the leading legal advocate for borrowers defrauded by predatory colleges, we have successfully influenced the conversation around predatory student debt and achieved the cancellation of over $22 billion in fraudulent loans alongside our community of one million borrowers nationwide.
Our borrower community is crucial in shaping and supporting our advocacy and policy efforts. That’s why we’re selecting eight passionate individuals to join a thriving hub of community advocates, actively contributing to PPSL’s work to create a more just and equitable education system. We believe our partnership with community advocates will propel PPSL’s mission by developing and strengthening relationships between borrowers, policy organizations, and advocates, ultimately driving impactful policy initiatives.
Submission Details:
Application opening: November 22, 2024
Application deadline: Applications must be submitted by noon (PST) on December 20, 2024.
Notification of Selection: Selected Council Members will be emailed by the end of January 2025, with a public announcement to follow.
The Advisory Council will convene from February 2025 to November 2025. Council Members will be provided a $1,200 stipend to engage in the activities and other strategic advisory efforts mentioned below and covered travel expenses.
Who Should Apply
The CAC is open to any individual in the PPSL borrower community, whether represented in a class action lawsuit or not (cannot be a named plaintiff in a PPSL class action lawsuit). No college degree or prior advocacy experience with PPSL is required, and we encourage Parent Plus borrowers and private loan co-signers to apply. No credit history checks or legal backgrounds will be considered. Applicants should ensure they are available to attend virtual and in-person meetings and travel to Washington, D.C., for advocacy-related events.
What To Expect
As a Council Member, individuals will fulfill a community advocate role, representing borrower voices in advocacy efforts. PPSL estimates Council Members will commit to approximately 45 hours throughout the program, from February to November 2025, which equates to approximately five hours per month. Council Members will actively contribute to advancing PPSL’s mission. The Council’s work will include participating in virtual and in-person advocacy days, engaging with others impacted by predatory student lending, contributing to media opportunities and content, and contributing insights to help shape policy initiatives and strategic advocacy.
What You’ll Gain
PPSL will ensure that Council Members can fully engage and thrive in this opportunity. In addition to the $1,200 stipend, PPSL is excited to offer the following benefits:
Collaborative learning environment: An inclusive and welcoming environment where all voices are valued, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to the CAC’s work.
Community: Partnership with like-minded individuals and organizations, fostering connections to amplify your advocacy efforts and network.
Flexibility: Accommodations to your schedule, allowing you to balance your participation in the CAC with other personal and professional responsibilities.
Organizational support: Ongoing support from PPSL staff and fellow Council Members who will offer support throughout the program.
Professional development: Comprehensive learning discussions to enhance advocacy skills, expertise in predatory lending issues, and policy development.
Resources: Access to tools that support advocacy efforts as a Council Member, including digital and technological resources if needed.