The CAC is a 10-month pilot initiative of PPSL aimed at building a thriving hub of community advocates within the PPSL borrower community. The pilot cohort will include 8 members who are committed to furthering the work and mission of PPSL. CAC members will actively contribute to PPSL’s advocacy and policy efforts in an advisory capacity. Each month, members will participate in virtual professional development sessions or in-person advocacy related events.

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). We also welcome those who may have yet to engage with PPSL directly but are impacted by predatory student lending. No college degree or prior advocacy experience with PPSL is required, and we encourage Parent Plus borrowers and private loan co-signers to apply. Everyone’s voice is essential, and we want to ensure that all community members feel welcomed, valued, and included in this initiative.  

The application opens on November 22, 2024, and closes at noon (PST) on December 20, 2024. Selected applicants will be notified by the end of January 2025.

As a Council Member, you will fulfill a community advocate role, representing borrower voices in PPSL’s 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. Please note that this excludes travel time for in-person convenings. CAC participation includes strategic advisory activities, professional development, and partner meetings.

Additionally, Council Members will actively contribute to advancing PPSL’s mission through active participation in community empowerment and engagement, media and press engagement, and thought partnership. Community engagement includes hosting an in-person event in the local community of the Council Member within six to eight months of completing the program, with the support and resources from PPSL.

PPSL is dedicated to ensuring that Council Members can fully engage and thrive in this program. In addition to the $1,200 stipend and covered travel expenses, PPSL will provide a flexible structure that accommodates Council Members’ personal and professional responsibilities. It will also provide a collaborative learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued. PPSL also wants council members to grow their policy expertise and advocacy skills. We are excited to provide comprehensive learning discussions and workshops, as well as access to digital and technological resources to support Council Members' active participation.

Yes. While most monthly sessions will be held virtually, CAC members should be available to travel to Washington, D.C., or Boston for advocacy-related events, and PPSL will cover all  travel expenses. PPSL is committed to implementing a flexible programmatic structure that considers Council Members' personal and professional responsibilities, and we will do our best to inform Council Members of travel with sufficient notice in advance. 

PPSL will offer professional development workshop sessions focusing on advocacy and policy strategy, public speaking, personal branding, and more. Members will also have access to resources and organizational support. 

The selection process includes an initial online application, screening and application review, and interviews with semi-finalists. If applications are incomplete or applicants do not meet the eligibility requirements, PPSL will not review the application materials. If applicants need help completing their application or understanding the eligibility criteria, they should contact PPSL at actioncouncil@ppsl.org.

Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to apply again as the Advisory Council grows! PPSL also remains committed to engaging with all its clients and the network community and ensuring we provide other advocacy and media opportunities.

PPSL aims to intentionally collaborate with the borrower community to equip and support changemakers who will advocate for a more just and equitable education system. Because of their direct experience with the perils of our higher education system, borrowers are uniquely positioned to contribute to and influence education policy, yet too few receive the resources and support they need. We believe our partnership with community advocates will propel PPSL’s mission by strengthening our connection to student borrowers, in turn allowing us to drive impactful policy initiatives. 

Applicants can contact actioncouncil@ppsl.org via email for further questions.