Maps Credit Union Brings Bite of Reality to Oregon’s Jefferson High School

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on May 1, 2025

On April 30, students at Jefferson High School in Jefferson, Ore., participated in Bite of Reality, a dynamic financial literacy simulation hosted by Maps Credit Union. The event offered students a hands-on opportunity to learn about budgeting, saving, and managing real-world expenses in a fun, interactive setting.

As part of the simulation, students received fictional profiles with careers, salaries, and family responsibilities. They then visited various stations representing essential living expenses like housing, transportation, groceries, childcare, and entertainment. Along the way, they encountered financial curveballs such as unexpected bills or tempting spending choices, which encouraged the students to think critically and make smart financial decisions.

The event was coordinated with support from Bart Cedillo, Community Relationship Manager at Maps Credit Union, whose efforts helped bring the program to life on campus. Alongside Maps staff and community volunteers, Cedillo helped guide students through the activity, offering insights and support as they navigated the challenges of balancing a budget.

The Bite of Reality program is part of Maps Credit Union’s broader commitment to financial education in local communities and is made possible by a grant from the GoWest Foundation. By engaging students in this real-life simulation, Maps is helping to build the financial confidence and knowledge that young people need to succeed well beyond high school.

Posted in Community Impact, GoWest Foundation, Oregon, Regional Member News.