Student Loans: Who Is Struggling to Pay and Why?

Story: In this episode of “Restoring Community,” we travel to the Kinship Community Food Center, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We hear from the center’s executive director, Vincent Noth, about how he transformed a former community pantry into a gathering place, and residents share their experiences finding fellowship, belonging, and connection through food. 

Related resources:

• Kinship Community Food Center
• Getting to Know Vincent Noth of Milwaukee’s Kinship Community Food Center
• Vincent Noth Is Nourishing Milwaukee and Its Soul

Stat: 1 million—the number of Americans who default on student loan payments each year.

Story: More Americans are seeking higher education, which means more people are taking on—and struggling with—student loan debt. For one first-generation college graduate, the complex repayment system proved overwhelming. We share her story and talk to Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Eric Kelderman and Pew researcher Sarah Sattelmeyer about key challenges and potential solutions to help keep borrowers on track.

Related Resources:

5 Facts About Student Loans

Coordination Between Federal Agencies Would Help Millions Pay Back Student Loans

4 Things You Should Know About Student Loan Repayment 

Who Struggles Most to Repay Student Loans?