Here’s something that’ll restore your faith in the next generation: Financial Plus Credit Union just handed out $10,000 in scholarships to ten students who aren’t just acing their classes—they’re also thinking seriously about their financial futures.
The credit union’s eleventh annual “Reach for Success” Scholarship went to Gianna Collier, Isabel Cumper, Isabelle Guerrero, Ethan Hays, Jack Johnson, Brooke Laine, Gabrielle LaBeau, Jenna Morrison, Stephen Stewart, and Rithvik Venisetty. Each winner gets $1,000 to put toward the 2026-2027 school year, covering everything from tuition and fees to textbooks and housing.
More Than Just Good Grades
This wasn’t your typical “copy-paste your GPA and extracurriculars” scholarship application. Students had to get real about their relationship with money, answering a question many adults still struggle with: How ready are you for a successful financial future?
The prompt asked applicants to share what they wish they’d learned about money earlier, and how they’re planning to level up their financial literacy now. Translation: Financial Plus wanted to know if these students had both book smarts and money smarts.
“Reviewing more than 150 applications this year made it clear just how many driven, compassionate, and talented students are making an impact in their schools and communities,” said Meghann Adams, Financial Wellness Specialist at Financial Plus. “Each of these recipients has a unique story and bright future ahead, and we’re proud to support them as they pursue their dreams.”
Meet the Winners
These ten students come from all over Michigan, and they’re heading in some pretty impressive directions.
Gianna is already at Madonna University in Saginaw but has her sights set on veterinary school—a career path inspired by a lifetime of caring for animals. Isabel managed to juggle academics, athletics, and community service at Freeland High School (no small feat) and will head to Northwood University this fall. Isabelle plans to study nursing at St. Clair County Community College after graduating from Imlay City High School, driven by a genuine desire to help others.
Then there are the students who’ve basically been collecting leadership achievements like trading cards. Ethan, graduating from Jackson High School, racked up more than 400 hours of community service while serving as Youth Advisory Council president. He’s off to Michigan Technological University next. Jack spent his summers leading Vacation Bible School at Powers Catholic High School and will study at Michigan State University. Brooke did something remarkable at Davison High School—covering the Flint Water Crisis as a student journalist—and will continue her education at Central Michigan University.
The remaining winners are equally impressive. Gabrielle from Swartz Creek High School is heading to Grand Valley State University with healthcare career ambitions. Jenna, already an honors student at University of Michigan-Flint, showed her leadership chops by teaching in an online ESL program for local immigrants.
Stephen, currently at Kettering University and president of the robotics club, has become a go-to source of inspiration for his peers through creativity and leadership. And Rithvik, a standout senior from Grand Blanc High School, will attend the University of Rochester this fall, where he plans to keep doing what he does best: learning voraciously and sharing that knowledge with others.
Why This Matters
Sure, $1,000 won’t cover an entire college education these days (let’s be honest, it barely covers textbooks at some schools). But Financial Plus is investing in something bigger here—students who understand that financial literacy is just as important as any degree they’ll earn. And judging by these ten winners, that investment is going to pay serious dividends.
Related:
Financial Plus Credit Union Scores Hat Trick with Third “Credit Union of the Year” Win
Financial Plus CU announces multi-branch expansion across Michigan