A group of people stand in front of a counter decorated with a large red banner that reads “Grand Opening” in bold white letters. The counter has signage for North Central High School and Gesa Credit Union. Red confetti fills the air as two individuals hold oversized scissors and cut a red ribbon, while others hold confetti poppers.

North Central celebrates grand opening of student-run Gesa branch

Ryan Lancaster

October 20, 2025

Last week, Gesa Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new student-run branch at North Central High School.

This marks Gesa’s first branch with Spokane Public Schools, a partnership that gives students real-world experience managing financial transactions like deposits and withdrawals, while also helping their peers open checking and savings accounts during lunch hours.

Two people stand in front of a counter with a “North Central High School Credit Union” sign above. The counter displays informational materials and decorations, including a disco ball overhead and colorful balloons on the banner.

Student intern Kate Turnbull will be managing the kiosk, which is open during first and second lunch periods. In between, she’ll return to 4th period DECA class.

“I applied just like any other job. I went through an interview process and interned over the summer at a branch," she shared. "I think everyone should take the opportunity to create an account, get a debit card, and start taking care of their own money and having that responsibility because then they’ll be set up for the future."

A person behind a red counter hands a blue brochure to another person wearing a “North Central Football” sweatshirt. A computer monitor and office supplies are on the counter, with red lockers and a hallway visible in the background.

Gesa’s High School Credit Union Program, which began in 2000, combines hands-on financial training with classroom learning. It was the first Financial Sector Career Launch-endorsed program in Washington, giving students across the state meaningful, career-ready experience in the financial industry.

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