July 9th 2025.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your student loan payments? Do you find yourself struggling to make ends meet due to the financial burden of your education? If so, there may be some volunteer opportunities out there that could offer you some much-needed relief and even forgiveness for your loans.
But it's not just those with student loans who could benefit from these options. Those who have received federal pauses on multiple loan programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic may also be able to take advantage of these opportunities. As we all know, the pandemic has caused significant financial strain for many, and the grace periods established by the Biden administration have provided some temporary relief. However, former President Trump's attempts at student loan forgiveness faced legal challenges and did not come to fruition.
Now, the Trump administration has announced a deadline for these grace periods, as well as the rollout of involuntary collections on defaulted loans. This means that as these pauses come to an end, more borrowers may need options to help them cover the upcoming bills, which could potentially cost hundreds of dollars each month.
For Black borrowers, in particular, these volunteer opportunities could be especially beneficial. According to the Education Data Collective, Black individuals with a bachelor's degree carry an average of $52,726 in student loan debt. And the gap between Black and white borrowers is staggering, with Black individuals owing an average of 188% more than their white counterparts.
One option for those looking to volunteer is enlisting in the Peace Corps. This could lead to loan deferment, partial cancellation, or even eligibility for the Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program offers the cancellation of remaining debt after 10 years of payments while working in public service. Plus, while in the program, you may not have to make any payments towards your student loans at all. Keep in mind, though, that the Peace Corps typically requires a year-long commitment in a foreign country.
According to the Peace Corps website, "Under a qualifying repayment plan, your payments could be $0 per month while volunteering. Signing up at the beginning of your service allows you to make the greatest number of qualifying payments."
If you'd rather stay local, AmeriCorps is a national program that helps young adults find employment. And according to Newsweek, the program offers a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which is granted to those who complete a term of service with the agency. This award provides the yearly equivalent of a Pell Grant, which can go towards qualified student loans or education expenses if you enroll in school. However, it's worth noting that AmeriCorps has undergone budget cuts enforced by the Trump administration, so it's essential to keep an eye on its future.
Another option for those looking to volunteer is the Shared Harvest Fund. This program offers student debt relief for "skilled volunteers and frontline care workers who show up for their communities, especially during emergencies." The doctor-founded nonprofit helps people pay off their loans by becoming "debt-free freelancers." How does it work? Borrowers sign up and list their applicable skills, and they are then matched with a volunteer organization. As they gain points, those points can be converted into stipends to directly pay off their loans. Dr. NanaEfua Afoh-Manin, one of the co-founders, has even described the innovative venture as "TINDR meets the Peace Corps."
While these volunteer opportunities may not completely eliminate your student loan debt, they are viable solutions that can help you manage your repayment.
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