Debt in Texas: Understanding the Impact of Student Loan Debt
Hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Asset Funders Network and Educate Texas
This three-part virtual event series explored trends in postsecondary affordability and student loans, as well as solutions to college debt challenges in Texas.
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The Past: How We Got Here
Thursday, Sept. 24 · 10–11:30 a.m.A look at the historical inequities in postsecondary education policy, as well as state policy decisions that contributed to the present-day student debt crisis in Texas. View the recording.
10 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Alfreda B. Norman, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
10:10 a.m.
Mini Talk: Debt in Texas Overview
Alfreda B. Norman
Julie Eklund, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (presentation)10:25 a.m.
Students’ Lived Experiences with Debt
Simon Marquez, Young Invincibles
10:30 a.m.
Panel Session
Charles Contero-Puls, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Denisa Gandara, Southern Methodist University
Jenny Achilles, Trellis Foundation
Moderator: Ashley Williams, Every Texan11:20 a.m.
Student Perspective
Simon Marquez
11:25 a.m.
Closing Remarks
Karen Murrell, Asset Funders Network
Recommended reading:
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The Present: Where We Are Today
Tuesday, Sept. 29 · 10–11:30 a.m.An interactive discussion about the racial disparities in student loan debt and borrower outcomes. View the recording.
10 a.m.
Welcome and Session Overview
Wende Burton, Communities Foundation of Texas
10:05 a.m.
Introduction
Adam Ordaz, Young Invincibles
10:15 a.m.
Mini Talk: Exploring The Unseen in Student Debt
Aurora Harris, Young Invincibles
10:20 a.m.
Student Debt Iceberg Model
- Patterns of Behavior
- Structures of the System
- Mental Models
Kiran Sidhu, Center for Responsible Lending
Cat Goughnour, Prosperity Now
Pedro Lira, Jolt Texas11:20 a.m.
Q&A and Remarks
Don Baylor, Annie E. Casey Foundation
11:25 a.m.
Closing Remarks
Don Baylor
Recommended reading:
- Supporting Texas Young Adults During Crisis and Beyond
- Quicksand: Borrowers of Color & the Student Debt Crisis
- Communicating on Race and Racial Economic Equity
- Addressing Debt in Black Communities
- Exploring Racial Economic Equity in Policy and Advocacy
- Lose the Loans: 2019 Overview of the Student Debt Crisis in Texas
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The Future: Where We Want to Go
Thursday, Oct. 1 · 9–10:30 a.m.An exchange of ideas and strategies gaining traction to address student debt and college affordability. View the recording.
9 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Roy C. Lopez, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
9:06 a.m.
Panel 1: Reducing Existing Student Debt
Raquan Wedderburn, Aspen Institute Financial Security Program
Katherine Welbeck, Student Borrower Protection Center
Moderator: Yvette Ruiz, JPMorgan Chase & Co.9:45 a.m.
Panel 2: College Affordability
Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Amarillo College
Dr. Chris Dowdy, Paul Quinn College
Moderator: Todd Penner, Dell Foundation10:25 a.m.
Closing Remarks
Annika Little, Asset Funders Network
Recommended reading:
The Debt in Texas series will include future sessions on other topics. In addition to the student debt sessions above, we hope you’ll join us at these other events. Stay tuned for registration.
Debt in Texas: The Unintended Consequences of Government Fines and Fees
- Dec. 2-3, 2020
Debt in Texas: Understanding the Impact of Medical Debt
- Feb. 18, 23 and 25, 2021
This series is made possible by support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Communities Foundation of Texas, JPMorgan Chase & Co., the Texas Women’s Foundation and Charles Schwab Bank. Thank you to contributing partners Every Texan, Texas Appleseed, Texas Fair Defense Project and Young Invincibles.
For More Information
Contact Anna Crockett with any questions.