Gesa Credit Union announces grand opening of Renton High School branch
The credit union’s history-making High School Credit Union Program now operates student-run branches at 13 schools across the state
RICHLAND, WA (November 27, 2023) — Gesa, a community-focused credit union, announced the expansion of its High School Credit Union Program with the opening of its 13th student-run branch at Renton High School. At the new branch, students can open Gesa checking and savings accounts, and they, along with staff members, are able to process deposits and withdrawals during designated hours of the school day.
The branch will operate in conjunction with Renton High School’s DECA program and school store class and provide real-world work experience to 15 DECA students as Student Tellers. It will also offer a year-long paid internship to one student who will serve as the Renton High School Campus Branch Manager. This year, senior student Abigail Nakimuli was selected from her class for the internship.
“When I was younger, I wanted to be a lawyer like my mom but as I started taking my IB Business class, I knew I wanted to explore this field further. So, when my business professor shared Gesa’s internship program on Canvas, I saw an opportunity and decided to apply,” said Nakimuli. “I am very grateful for this internship, and it’s been exciting to explore the various careers in banking. This opportunity will help me determine my focus for the future, and I’m eager to continue to learn from this experience.”
Gesa and the Renton High School branch have been hosting an extensive student giveaway to introduce the branch to students and welcome them to the program. The credit union is also offering a ‘Back-to-School’ membership campaign, where students can earn $100 towards their Gesa savings account.
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.
“We are honored to be working with such talented students and educators as we continue to provide real-life financial experience through our High School Credit Union program,” said Brandon Allison, AVP of Training, Education, & Community Relations at Gesa Credit Union. “Individuals like Abigail and our Student Tellers represent our future leaders and witnessing them thrive in this setting has been amazing. As we continue to expand this program, we hope to provide even more students with the opportunity to receive industry-recognized credentials that will make them a competitive candidate in today’s job market.”
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/.
About Gesa Credit Union
Gesa Credit Union is one of Washington’s largest credit unions with over $5.5 billion in assets and is nearly 290,000 members strong. Gesa is a full-service financial institution that offers a complete array of consumer, mortgage, and business products and services. Headquartered in Richland, Washington, Gesa operates 29 branches, loan centers, full-service student-operated campus branches at Washington State University, and 13 student-operated high school branches across Washington state. The Gesa Community Foundation, established in 2022, further supports Gesa’s ongoing commitment to local communities and charitable giving, which includes support for schools, Local Heroes groups, and community organizations through its Affinity Debit Card Program, as well as through its annual youth scholarships, and free financial and educational resources available to members and the general public. For more information, visit gesa.com.
