Thursday, April 9th, MBN was on the road to the LAFCU headquarters, West Lansing, MI, for LAFCU hosting a graduation ceremony recognizing individuals who have successfully completed its 2025–2026 Pathway to Financial Transformation course.
Participants received certificates of completion and celebrated their achievements in caps and gowns, marking the culmination of an eight-month program focused on strengthening personal finance skills. The event recognizes the graduates’ commitment to enhancing their financial knowledge and reaching an important milestone in their financial journeys.
WHERE: LAFCU Main Office Community Room 1 | 106 N. Marketplace Blvd., Lansing, MI 48917
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Thursday, April 9
WHO: Graduates of LAFCU’s 2025-2026 Pathway to Financial Transformation program, along with their families and friends. LAFCU representatives, including Robyn Howell, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer; and Shelia Scott, community financial education and business development officer (Pathway to Financial Transformation course leader)
WHY: LAFCU is committed to helping individuals and families build stronger financial futures. Since launching in 2021, the Pathway to Financial Transformation program has provided participants with practical tools for budgeting, saving, and long-term financial planning. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to grow in reach and impact, offering free financial education to both members and nonmembers across Michigan and beyond….
Here is a highlight video to give you a taste of that evening:
Before the classes began for 2025-26, Jeffrey Mosher welcomed back Shelia Scott, Community Financial Education and Business Development Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI.
Hear Shelia and Jeffrey discuss free Back to School event, $10K essay winners, and a free financial course helping Michiganders build credit and save in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:
Jeffrey had several questions for Shelia in this conversation:
Why is it important that the course be free and open to all Michigan residents, regardless of credit union membership?
Program empowers adults across the state to develop lifelong money skills and financial confidence
LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is now accepting enrollment for its free Pathway to Financial Transformation course, a hybrid personal finance program that is open to all Michigan residents, regardless of credit union membership. Now in its fifth year, the course equips adults of any age with practical tools and insights to help improve money management, build financial stability, and gain confidence in their financial decision-making.
To enroll in LAFCU’s free, comprehensive personal finance course, visit lafcu.com/pathway by Sept. 1.
The comprehensive course will meet virtually every other Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m., starting Sept. 11, 2025, through April 2, 2026, excluding holidays. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend one in-person session at LAFCU headquarters in Lansing during the semester and will celebrate their achievements at a cap-and-gown graduation ceremony in April (left).
Topics covered include budgeting, saving, credit building, lending, investing, first-time homebuying, and how diversity, equity, and inclusion impact financial decision-making. Sessions are led by LAFCU professionals in lending, collections, insurance, DEI, and investments, along with guest experts in financial counseling, homebuying, wellness, and more.
“This course creates space for people to reflect, learn, and grow,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU community financial education and business development officer and course leader (left). “We’ve designed it to be welcoming, accessible, and practical—no matter where someone is starting from. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive financially, and we’re proud to offer a program that makes that possible.”
Over the past five years, course graduates have shared life-changing outcomes, including credit score increases of more than 100 points, paying off tens of thousands in debt, opening savings accounts for their children, and building long-term financial plans.
“As a credit union, we believe in helping people—regardless of their background or membership status—access the tools they need to take control of their financial future,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchision, chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer at LAFCU. “Offering this course at no cost is one of the most meaningful ways we live out our mission. It’s not just about managing money today—it’s about empowering people to change the trajectory of their lives and families for generations.”
LAFCU’s Pathway to Financial Transformation course began in 2020 as part of the credit union’s longstanding commitment to financial education and service to people of modest means. The course continues to evolve and expand its reach, serving as a model for how community-focused financial institutions can drive real impact.
About LAFCU
Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members’ financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. Twice honored as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For’ and recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, LAFCU stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.
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Photo captions
LAFCU Shelia Scott.jpg — Shelia Scott, LAFCU’s community financial education and business development officer, leads the eight-month Pathway to Financial Transformation course.
LAFCU 2024-2025 Graduation.jpg- Graduates of LAFCU’s 2024-25 Pathway to Financial Transformation program celebrate at a lively cap and gown ceremony. Interested adults are encouraged to register by Sept. 1, for this free course.
