Dream big; start small.
Ten people, ten dollars, and one good idea is all it takes to begin.
None of us is free until all of us are free.
In the meantime, we work.
This work is love.
We will not stop until our work is done.
Our work is done when our vision becomes reality.
The Need
The student debt crisis presents a multifaceted challenge with profound implications for individuals, communities, and the economy. Escalating tuition costs are formidable barriers to accessing higher education, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups and perpetuating cycles of inequality. The weight of student debt not only undermines personal financial stability and mental well-being but also stifles economic growth and innovation. Moreover, it intersects with other social issues, exacerbating disparities in pay, wealth, and opportunity. Addressing this crisis is imperative to foster a more equitable and inclusive society and economy, and to liberate the potential of present and future generations.
Our Experiment
In 2018, a collective of ten founding alumni and former students, some with college debt and some without, formed the Debt Liberation Laboratory as a social experiment in collective debt reduction. Step one: pay down and relieve our own college debt. Step two: share what we learn and create a nonprofit model that other friends and alumni can use. In 2020, the Debt Liberation Laboratory received not-for-profit organization status under part 501(c)(10) of the IRS code.
The Debt Liberation Laboratory meets monthly and publishes a newsletter to share our progress. Those interested in learning more about accelerating this project can reach us at
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