Panthers Forward, which has helped 1,200 Pitt seniors address their student loans, welcomes its eighth class

The University of Pittsburgh’s Panthers Forward program, which has helped 1,200 students address their federal student loan debt over the last eight years, welcomed 150 seniors to its Class of 2026 this fall.

Panthers Forward is a first-of-its-kind program open to eligible students on the University’s Pittsburgh campus who use federal loans to fund their last year of college. Participants receive up to $5,000 in direct federal student loan relief, mentoring from Pitt alumni and exclusive invitations to events, workshops and financial planning resources.

After graduation, Panthers Forward students are encouraged to pay it forward to the next generation, whether through financial support or by sharing their time and talents.