ENOLA, Penn.–Members 1st Federal Credit Union said it has entered into a new partnership with East Stroudsburg University (ESU) through the university’s Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) program, which it described as a “first‑of‑its‑kind experiential learning model in Pennsylvania designed to connect students with real‑world business and community challenges.
The partnership brings together Members 1st, ESU faculty, and ESU students to pilot an applied workforce development collaboration focused on financial literacy, financial wellness, and community‑centered innovation, the credit union said.
The EPIC program is affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s EPIC initiative and is designed to be scalable, credentialed and outcomes‑driven.
Two Applied Projects
According to Members 1st, during the eight‑week program, ESU students will work on two applied projects:
- A Pocono Financial Wellness Blueprint focused on localized education, employer partnerships and outreach for small businesses, commuters and tourism‑driven workers
- A Financial Literacy Innovation Lab developing standards‑aligned tools such as interactive budgeting simulations and mobile‑friendly lessons to support Pennsylvania schools preparing for expanded financial literacy requirements.
‘Exactly Who We Are’
“This partnership reflects exactly who we are as a credit union,” Members 1st FCU COO Christine Pavlakovich said in a statement. “By collaborating with East Stroudsburg University through the EPIC program, we are investing in students, strengthening financial education across our communities and advancing innovative solutions that align with our long‑term mission. It is about growth with purpose and preparing the next generation of financial leaders and informed consumers.”
