LAFCU accepting entries for Write to Educate Essay Contest
$20K in college scholarships will be awarded to Michigan high school seniors
LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is now accepting submissions for its annual Write to Educate Essay Contest, which will award $5,000 in college scholarships to each of four Michigan high school seniors for a total of $20,000. LAFCU will also donate $500 to each winner’s charity of choice for an additional $2,000. Entries must be submitted online by March 31, 2024.
The best part of this scholarship opportunity? GPA, academic performance, and financial need are not a part of the application or the selection process – only the one-page essays will be used to determine the winners. Also, Michigan high school students can enter regardless of whether they are members of LAFCU.
"The Write to Educate Essay Contest emphasizes a selection process that values thoughtful expression over traditional metrics like GPA,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “This initiative offers a remarkable platform for Michigan high school seniors to articulate their unique perspectives, and it empowers students to showcase their individuality. Unlike other scholarship criteria, this contest focuses on the ability to eloquently convey ideas, providing a refreshing and inclusive avenue for students to contribute meaningfully to important and unique topics."
This year’s essay topic is, ‘How has the place you have grown up molded you into the person you are today and impacted your life?” Entries must be 500-words, typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, single spaced and with one-inch margins. Essays that do not meet the 500-word count or exceed one page will be excluded from scoring. Winning essays will be published in the Lansing State Journal, community sponsor of the contest.
The 2023 winners include Landon Berchiatti (Mattawan High School); Halle Curtis (Hanover-Horton High School); Ever Pratt-Hart (Grand Ledge High School); and Chloe Eden (Fenton High School). Their selection was based on a one-page essay that discussed how they would improve the workplace.
Additional information is available online at www.lafcu.com/writetoeducate.
About LAFCU
Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. Named a Best Credit Union to Work For, LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, visit www.lafcu.com.
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LAFCU-Write2Educate graphic.jpg — The 2024 LAFCU Write to Educate Essay Contest is open for entries until March 31. Four winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to be used at an accredited Michigan college or university.
