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Michigan Business Beat | Shelia Scott, LAFCU, Pathway to Financial Transformation, and Upcoming Deadline

April 28, 2025

Michigan Business Beat

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Shelia Scott, Community Financial Education and Business Development Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI.

Hear Shelia and Jeffrey discuss how free financial education and $10K LIFE grants are transforming lives and Michigan schools! #LAFCU in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:

Michigan Business Network · Michigan Business Beat | Shelia Scott, LAFCU, Pathway to Financial Transformation +

LAFCU‘s Pathway to Financial Transformation Graduation Ceremony, and an upcoming deadline.

Q1: Welcome back Shelia, for those who aren’t familiar, what is the Pathway to Financial Transformation program, and who is it designed for?

A: The Pathway to Financial Transformation program is LAFCU’s free, eight-month financial education program open to anyone—members or not. It’s an online class that meets every other week. We cover everything from budgeting and credit to long-term financial planning. It’s designed to be supportive, judgment-free, and accessible, whether someone is just starting out, trying to recover from setbacks, or planning for the future.

Q2: You recently held a graduation ceremony for this year’s participants. Can you tell us more about that and what it meant to the graduates?

A: Yes—we just celebrated our most recent group of graduates, and it was a truly inspiring event. The ceremony recognizes the commitment participants make over those eight months, and it’s a moment to honor their growth and resilience. While this year’s group shared some amazing personal wins, we’ve also seen lasting impact from past graduates. One participant from a previous year raised their credit score by more than 70 points. Others have reduced debt, built emergency savings, and even started college funds for their kids. It’s not just about financial education—it’s about creating lasting change and building stronger futures.

Q3: From LAFCU’s perspective, why is this program such an important investment in the community—and what do you hope future participants walk away with?

A: At LAFCU, we believe financial stability is foundational to personal and community well-being. This program reflects our commitment to making financial education accessible and impactful. We want participants to walk away with not just knowledge, but a sense of control and confidence in their financial futures. It’s about equipping people with tools they can use for a lifetime—and creating a ripple effect that extends to families, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Q4: When does the next Pathway to Financial Transformation program begin, and how can people get involved?

A: Our fifth cohort starts in September, and registration opens in late August. It’s open to everyone—free and virtual—so I encourage anyone who’s even a little curious to check it out at LAFCU.com/pathway. We’d love to have you.

LAFCUs Innovation for Education Grant with the April 30th Deadline:

Q1: Can you tell us about the LAFCU Innovation for Education grant and why it was created?

A: The LAFCU Innovation for Education grant—what we call the LIFE grant—was created to help a Michigan K-12 school add resources with a $10,000 boost. Now in its second year, the grant is all about

supporting projects that make a real difference in the learning environment—things like new technology, flexible classroom setups, or even outdoor learning spaces. It’s a way for us to say, “We see the amazing work happening in schools, and we want to help make more of it possible.”

Q2: Why is it important for organizations like LAFCU to invest in education?

A: At LAFCU, we believe strong schools build strong communities. That’s why we invest in education in numerous ways—from financial literacy programs to scholarships and now the LIFE grant. If you’re listening and know a teacher or school that could use a little extra funding, please encourage them to apply. Sometimes just sharing the opportunity can make a big difference.

Q3: How can Michigan K-12 schools apply, and what should they know about the process?

A: It’s a simple process. Teachers, administrators, PTO/PTAs, or councils and clubs can apply online at LAFCU.com/life by April 30. We ask for a short video—3 to 5 minutes— explaining their need and how they would use the funds. The deadline is coming up quickly! – April 30 – but it’s not too late. We are accepting entries from across Michigan, so please tell teachers and school administrators to enter and to share with us what their school needs to help inspire their students.

Michigan K-12 schools invited to apply for funding through April 30th deadline!

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is once again inviting Michigan K-12 schools to apply for its Innovation for Education grant by April 30 for a chance to receive $10,000 to enhance their learning environment. Schools can use the grant for flexible seating, updated technology, equipment upgrades, or special projects such as a school garden or sensory room.

Now in its second year, the LAFCU Innovation for Education (LIFE) grant continues to demonstrate the credit union’s commitment to enhancing education by awarding $10,000 to support schools in creating a more engaging and enriching environment for both students and staff.

“We recognize the challenges schools face in securing funding for essential improvements,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU’s community financial education and business development officer. “This grant is designed to help create a more engaging and supportive educational space for students and teachers alike.”

Last year’s recipient was Eric Bentley, STEM teacher at Perry Upper Elementary School, who used the funding to equip his students with innovative learning tools, including programmable robots, engineering resources, sensory seating, and an undersea-themed mural.

“This grant truly transformed my classroom,” said Bentley. “It gave my students hands-on learning opportunities that sparked creativity and problem-solving. The programmable robots and engineering resources have made STEM concepts more interactive, while the mural turned our space into a vibrant, inspiring environment that fuels curiosity and exploration. I’m incredibly grateful to LAFCU for making this possible.”

To apply, entrants must submit an online application by April 30, along with a link to a short video—between three and five minutes—explaining how they would use the funds and the impact the upgrades would have on students and staff. The winning school will be announced May 15.

The contest is open to all Michigan K-12 schools, with applications accepted from teachers, administrators, parent-teacher organizations, and school councils or clubs.

For more details and to apply, visit www.lafcu.com/life.

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

1-Perry Elementary Students.jpg — Perry Upper Elementary students explore STEM projects in a dynamic classroom featuring a vibrant undersea mural, made possible by the LAFCU LIFE grant. Cozy seating, like bean bags and cushioned chairs, adds to the engaging learning atmosphere.

2-LAFCU Innovation for Education grant graphic.jpg — LAFCU is awarding a $10,000 grant to one Michigan school to support essential improvements and enhance the learning environment.

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