NEA's Degrees Not Debt

With the launch of NEA’s Degrees Not Debt Week of Action on November 11^th-18^th, Student PSEA members are getting involved, taking the pledge, and sharing their stories.

Seven out of 10 college students graduate owing an average of 30,000 dollars in student loans.

Student debt is no longer just an inconvenience - it’s becoming a barrier that prevents graduates from buying houses, starting families, and taking advantage of the American Dream.

The National Education Association launched the Degrees Not Debt campaign to support students and educators facing this crisis. The campaign in an effort to: (1) increase need-based federal aid, like Pell Grants; (2) refinance student loan interest rates; and (3) expand student loan forgiveness programs, especially for people working in public service careers like education.

Already, more than 5 million American college graduates have fallen behind on student loan payments. Over the last decade two out of every three students must borrow money to afford college. Student debt burden stands at 1.2 trillion dollars, more than the nation's collective credit card debt.

Tuition costs continue to increase every year, though median household income has fallen 8 percent since 2007.

This past Saturday November 8, students got involved at the Southeastern Student PSEA conference at West Chester University. Here, students from WCU and Holy Family took the pledge.

On Sunday, November 9, I had the privilege of speaking with students from Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg. We discussed the value in your Student PSEA membership, your future as active PSEA members, and how we will be inspiring leaders – leaders who move people to action, encourage others to participate and encourage others about their own issues. We then shared our personal stories on college affordability and student debt.

 “Student loans hinder those with talent, passion, and determination. Growing up I heard, “you can be anything you want to be,” but excessive loans make continuing my education feel impossible.”

-Gabrielle Gombos, East Stroudsburg University

“Even with financial assistance, I struggle now to afford my own education. Without this aid, I could not attend college to pursue a career I have aspired to have for years. I know I am in this field for the love of school, children, and learning – not the money and not the insurmountable debt I will soon have to find ways to pay back.”

-Alexandra Jedlowski, Bloomsburg University

This weekend 58 of our student members took the pledge. I am thankful for the meaningful conversations we shared and the motivation to be advocates for our own education.

Learn more about the campaign at www.nea.org/degreesnotdebt, where you'll find information and resources to take action in your community or on your campus and urge Congress to support America's college students.