As community leaders, we recognize the importance of investing in education and expanding access to opportunities for future generations. We are also deeply concerned about the rising costs of higher education and the difficult financial burdens many families face when trying to support their students’ academic goals.

To help address these challenges, we propose establishing an Educational Partnership Fund (EPF) with ACC to provide sustainable educational support and expand access to higher education for deserving students.

ACC alone cannot address the student debt crisis, nor can any single religious institution, school, charity, or community organization. However, together, we can make a difference. An EPF is a collaborative effort facilitated by ACC, where institutions like yours can create a fund to offer educational support to your qualified students. ACC oversees the fund management, loan distribution, repayment processes, and provides annual reports. If every organization in the U.S. opens a EPF, we can significantly aid our students to pursue higher education, get out of debt faster.

1. Opening an EPF: To start, arrange a meeting with ACC to learn about the EPF, ask questions, and initiate the partnership. Following this meeting, ACC will draft a proposal for your board and stakeholders.
2. Initial Investment: To establish an EPF, a minimum of $25,000 is required.
3. Setup Fee: A one-time, $800 fee based on the initial $25,000 is charged by ACC to set up the EPF.
4. Fund Establishment: Upon signing the proposal and paying the initial amount, ACC establishes your fund.
5. Perpetuity: Once set up, the fund operates indefinitely.
6. How do Students Apply: Students apply for loans through ACC’s online application during the application cycle. Partners are given links to embed in their websites and share to create a seamless experience for their community.
7. Connecting Students to EPF: ACC provides partners with tools and training to educate their community about the EPF, application process, and selection criteria.
8. Fund Management by ACC: ACC manages all aspects of the EPF, including awarding funds, facilitating legal contracts, transferring funds, setting up terms, managing repayments, and providing annual reports on distribution and recipient details. ACC also handles delinquencies.

This initiative not only helps students get out of debt faster but also fosters a sense of unity and communal support.