Forrit Credit Union Brings Bite of Reality Workshops to Students in Gresham

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on March 9, 2026

During February and March, Forrit Credit Union has brought the Bite of Reality experience to approximately 75 local high school students through three workshops in Gresham, Ore.

Students from the Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) Change Lab program and the Centennial High School accounting class participated in the workshops, where they stepped into simulated adult roles and navigated real-world financial decisions.

Forrit facilitated the workshops and were joined by representatives from Point West Credit Union, Unitus Community Credit Union, and Trailhead Credit Union who helped run vendor stations and provide financial coaching throughout the experience.

This year’s workshops also included an unexpected adjustment. Due to Oregon’s recent cell phone restrictions in schools, students were no longer able to download the Bite of Reality simulation app onto their phones. As a result, Forrit returned to a pencil-and-paper version of the workshop for the first time in several years.

What initially seemed like a limitation quickly became an advantage. Students were responsible for manually tracking purchases, calculating expenses, and maintaining their own running balances throughout the activity.

“We found that students were actually more engaged,” said Sarah Buck, Director of Development at Forrit Credit Union. “Because they had to track their budgets and calculate their balances themselves, they slowed down and put more thought into each financial decision. It helped them see how everyday choices add up and why being intentional with your money matters.”

As in past workshops, students were consistently surprised by the true cost of living, particularly when budgeting for childcare, mortgages, and car payments.

“Forrit came in well staffed and well prepared,” said Zachary Ramberg, Principal of Centennial Virtual Academy. “Students were engaged with the activity and the reflection at the end was full of lots of laughs, smiles, and reality.”

Terry Smith, Supervisory Committee Chair of Forrit Credit Union, who has participated in several Bite of Reality workshops, emphasized the importance of financial education for young people.

“I believe that financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can teach young people,” Smith said. “When high school students learn how to manage money, build credit, and plan, they develop confidence and independence that can last a lifetime.”

Forrit Credit Union plans to host at least one additional Bite of Reality workshop before the end of the school year, continuing its commitment to supporting financial education and helping students better understand the real-world impact of their financial decisions.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Buck noted that the experience helps students see how everyday choices shape their financial future. “Bite of Reality helps students recognize that financial wellbeing isn’t about being perfect,” Buck said. “It’s about understanding how money flows in and out of your life and making thoughtful, intentional decisions over time.”

To learn more about about how the GoWest Foundation can help your credit union can bring Bite of Reality to your community, click here.

Posted in Financial Education, GoWest Foundation, Oregon, Regional Member News.