Youth & College Support
Whether you're preparing for your first year of college or are well into your journey as a student or graduate, 3Rivers has solutions and resources, and a dedicated Youth & College Support Team to help you at every stage!
We want you to reach your current and future goals and are here to support you along the way. We can help you find scholarship opportunities, navigate your financial aid and refinance options, and more, so you can feel confident in making informed decisions that benefit you now and down the road.
Feel free to explore this page for more information, check out our blog posts, or contact us anytime if you'd like to chat!
Heading to college?
When it comes to higher education and college funding guidance, our Youth & College Support Team is focused on helping students graduate with as little student debt as possible. We're here to help you choose the right school for your ideal career and budget, maximize free and affordable financial aid, find scholarships, and discover ways to significantly cut down on the cost of higher education!
In addition, we’re always happy to assist families in filing the FAFSA, make sense of financial aid award letters, and break down the best loan options for filling gaps in college funding.
If you're a parent of younger children or are looking to save for your own higher education, we’re also able to advise on the best ways to save and make the most of your money by providing information on savings account options and college savings plans best suited to you, as well as connecting you with resources on the local and national level (21st Century Scholars, government programs, and more).
Opting for a different path?
College isn’t the right path for everyone, and we're just as passionate about discussing other post-high school options with our members, too. Whether that’s trade school, a gap year, or jumping straight into the workforce, we can help you come up with a strategy that allows you to make the smartest financial decisions for your next chapter.
If you’re feeling stuck and not sure what you see in your future, we’d love to help you explore your options and maybe even find your spark! Walking through various career paths, providing you with financial education, and connecting you with resources that can help are all ways we can support you as you decide what the next best steps are for you.
We're here for you, every step of the way.
At 3Rivers, financial wellness is at the core of all we do, and our Youth & College Support Team plays a major part—providing individuals and families with the tools, resources, and support that can help them make well-informed decisions when it comes to their finances—no matter what path their lives may take. Our team is made up of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints that shape how we structure the assistance we provide to our members. We’re a great example of there not being one “right” path for everyone, and we’re dedicated to helping you find yours!
We look forward to supporting you as you make the decisions that will shape your life, and helping you reach your financial dreams and goals along the way.
Let’s get the conversation started!
Ready to start planning? Let's talk! Give us a call at 260.399.8265, email us at college@trfcu.org, or schedule an appointment with us today!
Meet Our Youth & College Support Team!
P: 260.515.7216 | O: 260.399.8230 | E: clawson@trfcu.org
Caitlyn Lawson started her career with 3Rivers in 2016 and has loved being able to help members with their goals and financial wellness journeys. She is dedicated to helping students find their own unique paths upon graduating high school—helping make sense of higher education, career paths, and the many other financial situations students may discover along the way.
Caitlyn’s own path to a higher education was more of a zig-zag than a straight line. Feel free to ask, she’d be happy to share more about her own journey and lessons learned!
Outside of work, she helps coach and teach swimming, loves to hike and explore new places, and is always seeking a new challenge to accomplish.
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P: 260.222.3440 | E: jhersey@trfcu.org
Jordan Hersey received his bachelor’s in communication studies from Huntington University. Before beginning his journey at 3Rivers in 2022, he gained experience working at the Boys & Girls Club, in the service industry, and as a substitute teacher. He brought this unique mix of skills to our branches, helping members along their financial wellness journeys.
Having recently joined our Youth & College Support Team, Jordan is excited to help advise students and families as they navigate through the unknowns and stressors of college planning, so they can enter this chapter with confidence. He’s passionate about getting to know our members, their stories, and their dreams to help them create personalized plans that can help them achieve their goals, personally, professionally, and financially.
Outside of work you can find Jordan trying new restaurants, traveling, engaging in reading groups, and riding his motorcycle.
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P: 260.515.7216 | O: 260.399.8230 | E: eboston@trfcu.org
Eric Boston graduated from East Allen University in 2016. Before joining 3Rivers, Eric gained experience in the retail and sales industries and worked as a legal assistant. In 2022, Eric began his journey with 3Rivers and hasn’t looked back.
Eric is passionate about supporting students and their families as they work toward their futures—helping them navigate and break through the financial anxieties of higher education. He strives in getting to know them and where they are now, and uncovering where they want to be in the future, to help them determine the right strategies and solutions for securing the best possible outcome.
Outside of work, Eric is always learning new board games and enjoys hiking and painting miniatures.
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