RICHLAND, WASH. (November 13, 2025) ‒ Gesa, a leading credit union in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to driving meaningful change in the communities it serves, today announces the expansion of its High School Credit Union (HSCU) Program with the opening of three new student-run branches at Central Valley High School, Mica Peak High School and University High School in Spokane.
This expansion brings Gesa’s partnership with the Central Valley School District to five student-run branches, building on the successful openings of Spokane Valley Tech in 2019 and Ridgeline High School earlier this year. It also deepens the credit union’s longstanding collaboration with Central Valley through its Affinity Debit Card Program, which raises funds for academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs at all five high schools.
As part of the program, a student from each school was selected for a paid internship to oversee the day-to-day operations of the branch. Any student at Central Valley High School, Mica Peak High School, and University High School can now visit the branch and open a Gesa checking or savings account, as well as manage transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals, during designated hours of the school day.
“We’re proud to build on our partnership with the Central Valley School District and help the next generation of leaders gain financial knowledge and real-world experience to navigate their futures,” said Brandon Allison, Vice President of Community Impact at Gesa Credit Union. “The school district and Spokane community has been such a strong partner in supporting this program, and together we’re helping students gain valuable skills that will benefit them for years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing the incredible work they’ll do at each branch.”
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/.