Who Are We
We help professionals in STEM, education, healthcare, and agriculture break free from student loan debt through crowdfunding philanthropy. These are the fields that sustain our world and drive progress. By lifting the financial weight of student loans, we give people back a meaningful part of their lives—allowing them to focus on their work, their communities, and the future they’re helping build.
Our Story
My first job offer after earning an engineering degree was exciting, a real step forward as I secured my dream job with a promising career ahead. Yet with a mountain of student loan debt, that sapped much of the joy and felt like punishment. I was the kid who believed hard work and a degree would be enough for a bright future. There are millions of people that can relate to my story, dealing with a debt that's sold as an investment but that doesn't quite match reality.
My passion to create Paid Forward came from understanding the despair which steals your sleep and hope. We support graduates in STEM, education, agriculture, and healthcare because the people who sustain the world shouldn’t carry a lifelong debt for serving it. Every donation is a quiet “I see you” and contributes to the moment someone stops feeling utterly defeated. Your support isn’t charity, it’s a lifeline to someone feeling exactly what I felt. It reminds the next generation that they’re not alone.
Together, with Paid Forward, we can rewrite someone's story and give back a life that felt lost.
— Founder & CEO of Paid Forward
Our Vision
We envision a future where growing contributions translate directly into more lives changed and a measurable impact of the student loan burden in the United States. As our impact expands, so will our commitment to supporting the people who power society; offering additional services that help them not only manage debt, but build stable, fulfilling futures. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where professionals are free to focus on their work, their communities, and the lives they want to live.
Transparency, Conflicts of Interest, and Use of Funds
Paid Forward maintains strict conflict of interest policies to ensure fairness and integrity. Founders, officers, employees, contractors, and any individuals with decision-making authority are not permitted to apply to the program, participate in the applicant pool, or receive any benefit from donor funds. Donor contributions designated for loan assistance are used to make direct payments to verified student loan servicers on behalf of approved applicants, subject to eligibility and review criteria.
To responsibly operate and administer the program, Paid Forward retains an operational fee. These funds are used for employee compensation, compliance and verification, marketing and outreach, software and system integrations, events, and other operational expenses that support applicants, recipients, and donors.
Paid Forward is committed to transparency, ethical governance, and ensuring that all funds are used in a manner aligned with our mission and the trust placed in us by the community.
Contact Us
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