Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a landmark initiative to help over 100,000 municipal employees and their families eliminate or reduce up to $360 million in student loan debt.

Partnering with the student loan assistance platform Summer, the city is rolling out a comprehensive program offering free access to expert guidance and digital tools that streamline enrollment in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans.

The initiative—originally announced during Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City address—launched its pilot phase today with employees from the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Department of Social Services (DSS), and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). A full rollout to all city workers is slated for September.

“Public servants wake up early and stay up late to keep our city running, but too many of them still struggle with expensive student loan debt,” said Mayor Adams.

“Our administration is helping to change that by putting hundreds of millions of dollars back into the pockets of our city employees and giving them the peace of mind they deserve through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.”

The move builds on Adams’ sweeping fiscal and social initiatives, including canceling over $2 billion in medical debt, eliminating income tax for low-income New Yorkers, and expanding early childhood education funding. The student loan program represents the largest municipal partnership of its kind in the U.S.

DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, who is helping lead the rollout, emphasized the program’s timing. “With the federal government set to resume collecting on defaulted student loans this week, the supports we are announcing today are well-timed to help borrowers,” she said.

“Expanding access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is an important way we can set city employees up for long-term financial freedom.”

DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina added, “Student loan guidance and education are monumental tools for empowering individuals. Those who serve our communities should not feel encumbered by their student loans.”

Summer CEO Will Sealy noted the broader impact: “Paying back student loans shouldn’t be a barrier to pursuing a career in public service. We’re proud to partner with the City of New York to deliver the tools and expertise needed to navigate student loan assistance programs.”

Despite PSLF’s potential to eliminate debt for public workers after 10 years of qualifying payments, a complex process and lack of awareness have historically blocked many from reaping its benefits.

As of 2017, fewer than 11% of eligible New Yorkers had successfully accessed forgiveness. This partnership aims to change that by making support easily accessible via Summer’s digital platform and human advisors.

Winston Berkman-Breen, legal director at the Student Borrower Protection Center, lauded the effort, saying, “Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a critical tool for maintaining and building the bench of committed public servants across the country, and we hope more cities follow New York’s lead.”

This initiative is a part of Mayor Adams’ broader “Best Budget Ever” agenda, which prioritizes affordability, safety, and family wellbeing, positioning New York City as a national leader in municipal support for working-class Americans.