Michigan Business Beat | Alyssa Troub, LAFCU, Write To Educate Essay Contest Empowers MI Students

Chris Holman welcomes back Alyssa Troub, Title: Digital Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Q1: For listeners who may not be familiar, what is LAFCU’s Write to Educate Essay Contest? Q2: What is this year’s essay topic, and why did LAFCU choose a community-focused prompt? Q3: How does the Write to Educate Contest impact students beyond financial support? Q4: What kind of impact has this program had over the years? Q5: Why is supporting higher education so important to the community as a whole? Q6: Where can students and families go to learn more or apply? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest $20K in college scholarships available for Michigan high school seniors LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is once again turning student voices into opportunity, inviting Michigan high school seniors to share their perspectives through its 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest, awarding $20,000 in college scholarships and supporting local nonprofits across the state. Applications will be accepted through March 31. This year’s essay topic asks students to think critically about their surroundings: “Describe a problem facing your community and explain how you would help address or solve it. Discuss the impact your solution could have on others.” By sharing their unique perspectives, participants highlight the diverse experiences that shape and strengthen Michigan communities. “The Write to Educate Essay Contest gives students a meaningful platform to share their stories, perspectives and creativity,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU’s chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “Education plays a vital role in helping individuals discover their potential and shape their futures. By eliminating barriers such as GPA requirements or financial need, LAFCU is proud to offer an opportunity that welcomes students from all backgrounds and encourages them to confidently express their ideas and aspirations.” The contest is open to all Michigan high school seniors, with no restrictions based on GPA, financial need or LAFCU membership. Participants are encouraged to submit a one-page, 500-word essay addressing this year’s topic. Essays must be typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, single-spaced, with one-inch margins. Essays shorter than 500 words or longer than one page will not be scored. The 2025 winners include Aubree Moore (Woodhaven High School); Kennedy Mullens (Alma High School); Kelcie Pung (Fowler High School); and Nolan Sanders (St. Johns High School). Winning essays will be featured in the Lansing State Journal, the contest’s community sponsor. For full contest details and to submit an entry, visit lafcu.com/writetoeducate. 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. A three-time honoree as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For,’ named a Best Place to Work for Women, 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. # # #