LAFCU Recognizes Graduates of Financial Education Program
Participants in LAFCU’s 2025–26 Pathway to Financial Transformation program were recognized during a graduation ceremony marking the completion of the financial education course.
Graduates were recognized in caps and gowns during the event attended by family members, friends and LAFCU staff. The ceremony marked the conclusion of an eight-month program focused on financial education, goal-setting and personal development.
LAFCU created the Pathway to Financial Transformation program to provide access to financial education and to help participants address financial challenges related to housing, transportation, health and family well-being. The program offers tools, resources and support intended to help improve long-term financial stability.
With this year’s ceremony, LAFCU recognized the completion of its fifth Pathway to Financial Transformation cohort. The program includes 16 modules and is offered virtually at no cost. It is open to participants regardless of age, income level or LAFCU membership status.
Program topics include budgeting, credit-building, debt reduction, savings strategies and long-term financial planning. Participants reported that the course helped them make more intentional financial decisions and develop habits to support financial stability.
“This program isn’t just about teaching financial concepts — it’s about helping people believe in themselves again,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU’s community financial education and business development officer and program leader. “When someone realizes they can build savings, improve their credit score and take control of their future, it changes everything. Watching that transformation happen is why this program matters.”
Graduate Cheryl Mask, one of two participants who completed the program for a second time, delivered the commencement address. She spoke about how revisiting the course helped reinforce key habits, provided accountability and supported her efforts to manage her financial decisions.
“This program has been like a lifeline for me,” Mask said. “It taught me to really look at my budget — what I have and what I don’t — and to stop and ask myself, ‘Do I need this?’ I looked at my credit score and made up my mind that I was going to reach a certain goal. LAFCU didn’t just give me information, they supported me every step of the way. They wrapped their arms around me, and now I have knowledge I can share with others.”
Mask encouraged fellow graduates to remain focused on their financial goals, noting that progress does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. She also shared how the program helped her reduce impulse spending, stay committed to her budget and make more deliberate choices.
Another graduate shared that she applied what she learned by sharing budgeting and savings strategies with her partner, who was able to save for a down payment on a vehicle.
“The most inspiring part of this program is that the impact doesn’t stop with the individual,” Scott said. “It spreads into households, relationships and future generations. Every time a graduate shares what they’ve learned, it creates another ripple of financial empowerment — and that’s exactly what we hope for.”
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