April 21, 2025 | By Emilie Jacques
Earlier this spring, Keith Rolof began his role as the Financial Bootcamp instructor for Copper Shores Bridges in Baraga County. In this position, Rolof has been working with the Baraga County graduates of Getting Ahead on the next step of their journeys toward financial independence.
Rolof first became acquainted with Copper Shores Bridges in 2023 while serving as the Promise Neighborhoods Grant Manager for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
“Though I had no prior teaching experience and was initially hesitant, learning more about the structure and requirements of the program helped me decide to move forward,” said Rolof. “The small cohort has been ideal for my first time in this role, creating a comfortable space for meaningful interactions. The students are engaged, eager to learn and already applying the material.”
Rolof understands, in-part from personal experience, the barriers that stand between people and achieving their financial goals. Financial Bootcamp gives participants the opportunity to take an in-depth look at their personal finances, build financial literacy, learn to budget and more - all skills that Rolof is well practiced in.
“Teaching this class has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Rolof. “Having personally struggled with addiction and now being nearly six years alcohol-free, I find it incredibly rewarding to support others making positive changes in their lives.”
Rolof graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2009 with a BS in Business Administration, a concentration in accounting and a minor in psychology. While at Michigan Tech, Rolof worked at Lake Accounting and did a project with Kimberly Clark’s International Tax Department.
In 2014, Rolof earned his MA in Tribal Administration & Governance from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, followed by more than a decade of financial experience working as a Budget Analyst and Deputy Administrator for an inter-tribal organization. Rolof currently serves as the Assistant Chief Financial Officer for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
“Keith's willingness to learn and understand the needs of the class, and then form instructional discussions and exercises to address the issues, are a testament to what he brings to the Bridges Program,” said Rich Simpson, Copper Shores Bridges program coordinator. “Keith has led the class with a caring heart, striving to teach fundamental information that is useful in everyday life. He uses down to earth examples that bring to life how to understand your finances.”
Financial Bootcamp is the second course offered in the Bridges program series. To take Financial Bootcamp, one must first be a graduate of Getting Ahead, Bridges’ cornerstone program. Getting Ahead is intended to teach people how to increase their income, decrease debt, become more self-sufficient, decrease social services assistance, and increase awareness of dental, vision, medical and financial services available in the Copper Country.
Copper Shores aims to run Getting Ahead in Houghton, Baraga and Ontonagon counties in the fall. Applications for Getting Ahead are always being accepted; admissions interviews will begin this summer.
To learn more about the award-winning Copper Shores Bridges program, visit coppershores.org/bridges.
