Positive Athlete and LAFCU Team Up to Empower High School Student-Athletes Through Leadership, Positivity, and Financial Wellness
- Ryan Pederson
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
Lansing, MI — October 21, 2025 — Positive Athlete, the national organization that celebrates student-athletes for their leadership, resilience, and impact on their communities, is proud to announce a new partnership with LAFCU Credit Union, a financial institution committed to strengthening communities through financial education and wellness.
Together, the organizations aim to empower the next generation of student-athletes with strong character, leadership skills, and essential financial knowledge.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to celebrate and develop young leaders on and off the field,” said Positive Athlete Regional Director, Zack Phillips. “With LAFCU’s support, we are not only recognizing the achievements of student-athletes but also equipping them with practical financial tools to succeed in life.”
Key initiatives of the partnership include:
· Positive Athlete Michigan Awards Experience presented by LAFCU
Held at Comerica Park, this signature event celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of student-athletes across Michigan, recognizing their leadership, positivity, and community impact. 31 different individuals will be named as the “Most Positive” in their sport categories across the state, including 27 high school student-athletes, two coaches and two Athletics Directors. One school will also be named the State’s Most Positive School.
· “LAFCU Beyond the Game Scholarship” Program
LAFCU will fund four $3,000 annual scholarships for student-athletes recognized by Positive Athlete — two male and two female honorees. Each scholarship includes $500 designated to open the student-athlete’s first savings account with LAFCU, coupled with financial education training to build lifelong money management skills.
· “LAFCU Investing in Positivity” Social Recognition Campaign
Each month of the program year, Positive Athlete will honor a student-athlete demonstrating exceptional leadership and positivity. These honorees will be recognized through social media and community outreach, further celebrating their contributions on and off the field.
· Game Plan for Financial Success Seminars presented by LAFCU
Delivered virtually as part of Positive Athlete programming, these seminars teach student-athletes key financial literacy skills, including budgeting, saving, and building credit. Seminars are promoted to all Positive Athlete nominees, coaches, and athletic directors via the Positive Athlete App.
· Positive Athlete Workforce Pipeline
This workforce readiness initiative offers alumni interested in the financial and banking industry opportunities to gain hands-on experience through shadowing, internships, and potential employment pathways within LAFCU.
“This partnership is about more than athletics — it’s about empowering young people with the confidence, skills, and resources they need to succeed in all areas of life,” said LAFCU Business Development & Growth Officer, Sean Cervantes. “By combining Positive Athlete’s focus on leadership and character with LAFCU’s expertise in financial education, we are investing in a stronger, more resilient next generation.”
About LAFCU Credit Union
Founded in 1936, LAFCU Credit Union serves members across Michigan with a commitment to financial wellness and community development. Through personalized financial education, scholarships, and workforce opportunities, LAFCU empowers individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals.