Gesa Credit Union Celebrates Grand Opening of Spokane’s Ridgeline High School Branch

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on January 22, 2025

Gesa Credit Union recently expanded its High School Credit Union (HSCU) Program with the opening of its 16th student-run branch at Ridgeline High School in Spokane, Wash. This marks Gesa’s second HSCU branch in partnership with the Central Valley School District, further showcasing a shared commitment to empowering students through financial education and hands-on experience.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Gesa to open a credit union designed specifically for Ridgeline students!” shared Jesse Hardt, Principal at Ridgeline High School. “Our student tellers will gain valuable work experience, while our student members will benefit from the accessibility and protections provided through their savings and checking programs.”

The branch will operate in conjunction with Ridgeline High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program, inspiring students to become community-minded business leaders through relevant career opportunities and leadership experiences. As part of the program, two students, 11th grader Scarlett Lambert and 12th grader Rylan Rivera, were selected for a paid internship to oversee the day-to-day operations of the branch. Any student at Ridgeline can visit the new branch and open a Gesa checking or savings account as well as manage transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals, during designated hours of the school day.

“Opening this student-run branch would not be possible without the incredible support from the Central Valley School District, the dedicated staff at Ridgeline High School, and the entire student body,” said Brandon Allison, AVP of Training, Education and Community Relations at Gesa Credit Union. “It’s a privilege to work with Ridgeline’s students, and I’m eager to see the drive and talent they bring to the branch. We’re dedicated to supporting their success and providing valuable real-world experience that prepares them for the professional world.”

The new branch at Ridgeline High School marks Gesa’s second HSCU partnership with the Central Valley School District, building on the success of the first location at Spokane Valley Tech High School, which opened in 2019.

Gesa’s High School Credit Union Program has provided hands-on, real-life financial industry experience for high school students since 2000. In 2022, the program made history by becoming the first Financial Sector Career Launch endorsed program in the State of Washington through Career Connect Washington. The Career Launch program combines meaningful, high-quality, on-the-job experience with classroom learning to ensure Washington students are college and career ready.

For a full list of Gesa’s High School branch locations, or to learn more about the High School Credit Union Program visit https://www.gesa.com/category/high-school-credit-unions/.

Posted in Financial Education, GoWest News, Washington.