As you know, student loan debt is tough. Paying for college keeps some kids from even going, and for those who actually do, hitting the workplace with tons of loans to pay back does not make for an exciting entrance into the real world. And more bad news—it seems to be getting worse. But there is a bright side: Organizations like this one! SponsorChange in Pittsburgh is connecting volunteers based on their skills to nonprofits and rewards their service with money for student loan payments raised by sponsors. The goal is to help “those who give back, pay back.”

It’s a pretty novel idea, wouldn’t you say? There are forgiveness and payback programs like this all over the place! As you talk to your TXGU students about how to pay for college, sit down and do some Googling with them. Knowing that there are options on the other side of the degree makes the pursuit of higher education much easier and lessens the financial burden of it all. Plus, it helps contribute to society some awesome, service-oriented citizens. Everyone wins!