LANSING, MI - February 3, 2020 — LAFCU is accepting applications for its unique 2020 Write to Educate Essay Contest beginning Feb. 1. The contest awards $5,000 in two $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors and asks each recipient to designate a charity to receive a $500 donation from LAFCU. The scholarships can be used at any accredited Michigan college or university beginning fall 2020. The entry deadline is March 31.

Lansing State Journal is the community sponsor of the contest.

“LAFCU believes that higher education should be within reach of anyone who has the passion to pursue it,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer. “That’s why the recipients are selected based solely on their one-page essay without regard to other factors such as grades. Every student who is a high school senior in Michigan qualifies to apply for this scholarship.”

The Lansing credit union is chartered to serve people and businesses throughout Michigan.

For the essay, applicants are asked to examine technology in their life: Does it have a positive or negative effect on their personal safety? For example, how do they handle texting and driving, whether for themselves or others? The winning essays will be published in the Lansing State Journal.

In support of the credit union philosophy “People helping people,” LAFCU will donate $500 on behalf of each winner to one of the following charities of their choice:

•     The Arc of Mid-Michigan

•     Child and Family Charities

•     CASA for Kids

Applicants do not need to be LAFCU members.

Information is at www.lafcu.com/lafcumyway where entries can also be uploaded.

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 more than 67,000 members and holds nearly $750 million in assets. 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 and ITMs. 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, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.