Gesa’s High School Credit Union Program Makes History as Washington’s First Financial Sector Career Launch Endorsed Program

Gesa, a community-focused credit union, today announced its High School Credit Union Program has become 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.  

Gesa’s High School Credit Union Program has provided hands-on, real-life financial industry experience for high school students since 2000. Today, the program supports 12 student-operated high school branches across the state.  

“Gesa is honored to receive this certification from Career Connect Washington,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “Our High School Credit Union Program provides students with invaluable industry experience that helps prepare them for their career post-graduation. Now with this certification, we’re able to take that one step further and provide students in this program the opportunity to receive industry-recognized credentials that will make them a competitive candidate in today’s job market.”
 
Student interns who complete at least one year of their internship through Gesa’s High School Credit Union Program will receive the Financial Sector Career Launch certification. This certification endorses these students as readily hirable for an entry-level position within the financial industry to further their career or assist with employment while furthering their higher education.
 
“We are fortunate to have outstanding CTE programs and staff here in the Kennewick School District, and the endorsement of the high school credit union program as a Career Launch certified program through Career Connect Washington presents a very exciting opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent. “We are so grateful for the partnership with Gesa to make this a reality!”
 
“One of our top priorities at Pasco School District is for each student to graduate with a High School and Beyond Plan, including a clear career path,” said Michelle Whitney, Superintendent of Pasco School District. “The Career Launch Endorsement for Gesa's High School Credit Union Internship Program is exciting because it allows our students working in the high school credit unions to gain practical work experiences through job shadows, internships, and advanced training. These experiences prepare them for career paths in the financial industry while providing Gesa with viable employees once the students graduate.”