(Enola, PA) — Members 1st Federal Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership with East Stroudsburg University (ESU) through the university’s Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) program, 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 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.

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; and 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.

“This partnership reflects exactly who we are as a credit union,” said Christine Pavlakovich, Chief Operating Officer at Members 1st Federal Credit Union. “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.”

From ESU’s perspective, the partnership offers students hands‑on professional experience while reinforcing the university’s commitment to applied learning and workforce readiness.

“East Stroudsburg University (ESU) is proud to partner with Members 1st Federal Credit Union on its latest EPIC project—an innovative, nationally recognized initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that is transforming how students prepare for the workforce. As the first university in Pennsylvania selected to participate in this prestigious program, ESU continues to demonstrate its leadership in experiential, real-world learning,” said Sylvester Williams, Dean of ESU’s College of Business and Management.

Additional details about student projects and outcomes will be shared as the project progresses.

About Members 1st Federal Credit Union:

Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with over 625,000 members, including nearly 25,000 business members, and $8 billion in assets. With its administrative headquarters based in Enola, PA, Members 1st serves its members and communities through its network of nearly 60 branch locations throughout Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Northampton, Perry, Union and York counties, as well as its robust digital banking and call center channels. To learn more about Members 1st, visit members1st.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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