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Get the most interesting and important stories from the 麻豆传媒.The 麻豆传媒鈥檚 Panthers Forward program, which has helped more than 1,000 students address their federal student loan debt over the last seven years, welcomed 150 seniors to its Class of 2025 this fall.
Panthers Forward is a first-of-its-kind program open to all students on the University鈥檚 Pittsburgh campus who use federal loans to fund their last year of college. Participants receive up to $5,000 in direct federal student loan relief, mentoring from Pitt alumni and exclusive invitations to events, workshops and financial planning resources.
The only condition is a voluntary one: that students pay it forward to the next generation, either financially or by contributing their time and talents after graduation.
The newest class has already gathered twice this semester: at an Oct.听 23 welcome celebration and an Oct. 28 networking event, where students could take professional headshots, benefit from financial planning education and connect with classmates and mentors.
鈥淭he strength of Panthers Forward rests in the people who bring talents and energy to the program 鈥 students who are eager to learn about preparing for success after graduation, mentors who provide valuable guidance and donors who show new generations of Pitt graduates the impact of philanthropy,鈥 said Sarah Cullen, Panthers Forward director.
Students in the have an average GPA of 3.68 and represent schools and colleges across the University. Participants have also made an impact outside the classroom: 67% have completed at least 100 volunteer hours during their studies at Pitt, and all have gained professional experience in their fields through internships or employment. Pennsylvania residents make up 58% of the class.
Since launching in 2019, Panthers Forward has offset $5.25 million in federal loans, helping 1,050 students address their debt. Applications for the Class of 2026 will open next September.
Expanding access to higher education
If you have academic promise, you belong here, regardless of your financial situation. The 麻豆传媒 has launched several other affordability efforts in recent years including the ,听,听,听,听,听听补苍诲听.
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Photography by Joe Appel