Gesa Credit Union Opens 17th Student-Run Branch at West Valley High School in Yakima

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on March 4, 2025

Gesa Credit Union announced on Feb. 25 the expansion of its High School Credit Union (HSCU) Program with the opening of its West Valley High School branch in Yakima, Wash. Gesa now operates 17 student-run branches throughout the state.

This marks Gesa’s first HSCU branch in partnership with Yakima’s West Valley School District, showcasing its commitment to empowering students through financial education and hands-on experience. It builds on Gesa’s long-standing support for the school, including through the West Valley High School Affinity Card, which helps raise funds for the school’s various academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs every time a member swipes their card.

“West Valley School District is thrilled to partner with Gesa Credit Union on the Gesa High School Credit Union Program! This initiative aligns perfectly with our Financial Algebra, Intro to Business, and Marketing courses as well as DECA and our school store,” said Jed Watters, Executive Director of Innovation at West Valley School District. “Students gain hands-on experience, developing employability skills while working in the credit union. Plus, our entire student body benefits by learning to open and manage bank accounts, enhancing their financial literacy. Gesa has been an outstanding partner in making this opportunity possible.”

As part of the program, Ricardo Flores was selected for a paid internship to oversee the day-to-day operations of the branch. Any student at West Valley can now visit the new branch and open a Gesa checking or savings account and manage transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals, during designated hours of the school day.

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with West Valley High School to bring this student-run branch to life,” said Brandon Allison, AVP of Community Impact at Gesa Credit Union. “This program gives students a unique opportunity to step into real-world financial roles, building confidence and leadership skills that will benefit them long after they graduate. Seeing these students take ownership of the branch, engage with their peers, and apply what they’re learning in a real-world setting is incredibly rewarding.”

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 Regional Member News, Washington.