BECU, Gesa, Numerica, and STCU Team Up to Bring Real-World Financial Education to Spokane-Area Students

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 23, 2026

Thousands of Spokane-area high school students experienced a new approach to financial education on Sept. 22 as BECU, Gesa Credit Union, Numerica Credit Union, and STCU came together to host MoneyIRL, a first-of-its-kind event designed to turn financial lessons into real-world practice.

The four credit unions joined forces around a shared goal of helping the next generation build the knowledge and confidence to navigate their financial futures. The collaboration puts the credit union principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” into action, combining the organizations’ resources and financial education expertise to make a lasting positive impact on students across the region.

“MoneyIRL is a great example of what credit unions can accomplish when we work together around a shared purpose. Collectively we provide financial education that makes a meaningful difference in students lives.” said Lindsey Myhre, President and CEO, STCU.

MoneyIRL brought more than 1,500 high school juniors and seniors from 10 school districts to the Spokane Convention Center on Sept. 22 to explore the financial decisions and responsibilities they may face as they enter adulthood. Students took part in simulations and interactive challenges and heard from professional speakers who shared inspiring messages and lessons they can apply in their own lives.

“Financial confidence is built through experience, and MoneyIRL gives students the opportunity to navigate important financial decisions in a supportive environment,” said Beverly Anderson, President and CEO, BECU. “By helping young people connect everyday choices to their long-term goals, we can expand pathways to opportunity and empower the next generation to build stronger financial futures.”

A central part of MoneyIRL was the Bite of Reality simulation, an app-based experience that assigns students a fictional career, income and family before challenging them to manage a full month of expenses. Students worked through eight budgeting categories, including housing, transportation, food, and utilities, with unexpected costs requiring them to adjust their budgets and see how one financial decision can affect another. Optional challenges throughout the simulation gave students additional ways to apply what they were learning in real time.

“There is a difference between understanding financial concepts and feeling prepared to make money decisions on your own,” said Don Miller, President and CEO, Gesa Credit Union. “MoneyIRL is about helping students build that confidence before many of these decisions become part of their everyday lives.”

The event received local media coverage, including KXLY and KHQ, for its impact on area students.

“Credit unions have a unique ability to reinvest in the communities they serve,” said Carla Cicero, President and CEO, Numerica Credit Union. “Programs like MoneyIRL are a great example of that impact. We believe in creating opportunities that help students build brighter financial futures. The credit union model of people helping people allows us to support programs and partnerships that make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”

Posted in Community Impact, Financial Education, Regional Member News, Washington.