Sound Credit Union’s Junior Achievement BizTown Storefront Expands Financial Education to Students

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on April 8, 2026

Don Clark, Sound team members and students from Margaret Mead Elementary School (Sammamish) cut the ribbon alongside Natalie Vega O’Neil

Sound Credit Union (Sound) celebrated its partnership with Junior Achievement of Washington (JA) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the grand opening of Sound Credit Union’s educational storefront located in the BizTown section of JA’s Auburn campus.

The new storefront is designed to give students hands-on experience with real-world financial concepts by simulating the operation of a financial institution. Through interactive roles such as CEO, CFO, Member Service Representative, and Community Relations Officer, students learn how a credit union functions while developing leadership and decision-making skills.

(L-R) Natalie Vega O’Neil, Jen Reed, Abraham Lucas, and Don Clark celebrate the opening of Sound’s storefront at JA

“This storefront gives us a meaningful opportunity to expose youth across Washington state to financial education in a fun and engaging way,” said Don Clark, President and CEO of Sound Credit Union. “Our purpose at Sound aligns perfectly with Junior Achievement’s. We are both committed to equipping students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed financially while also building leadership skills they can carry into their future.”

As “consumers” within the BizTown experience, students practice essential financial habits, including saving money by “paying themselves first.” They also learn how credit scores — much like report cards — impact access to financial tools such as auto loans, home loans, credit cards, and even employment opportunities.

The celebration also featured a special appearance by Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman and world champion, who joined Sound and JA leaders in welcoming students to the new storefront. Lucas shared his personal journey and emphasized the importance of financial literacy, discipline, and preparation — on and off the field — as key to long-term success.

Students from Margaret Mead Elementary School (Sammamish) with Abraham Lucas

Each year, Junior Achievement of Washington serves thousands of students through programs that connect classroom learning to real-life experiences. The partnership with Sound brings together a trusted financial institution and JA’s proven education model to help create stronger, more financially confident communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sound Credit Union to JA BizTown. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people to grow into financially capable, career-ready, and entrepreneurially minded individuals prepared to contribute to a thriving regional economy,” said Natalie Vega O’Neil President and CEO Junior Achievement of Washington. “By bringing Sound Credit Union’s values into JA BizTown, we are creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences that empower students to see what’s possible for their future.”

Posted in Financial Education, Regional Member News, Washington.