BOTHELL—After a planned closure for a branch remodel, Gesa’s Lynnwood High School credit union branch officially reopened yesterday, Tuesday, March 2, welcoming back student into the space – just in time for the branch’s one-year anniversary.
Gesa’s Lynnwood High School credit union branch is operated by students in the school’s DECA Business and Marketing program, giving them the opportunity to apply what they’re learning in class through real financial transactions and day-to-day operations.
As part of the program, students help manage deposits and withdrawals for their peers, develop marketing campaigns, and plan financial education activities around campus. One student is also selected each year by Gesa for a paid internship to oversee daily branch operations.
The branch opened on April 30, 2025, making Gesa’s 18th student-run branch statewide and its first within the Edmonds School District, showcasing its commitment to empowering students through financial education and hands-on experience.
This launch built on Gesa’s existing support for the school, including through the Lynnwood High School Affinity Card, which helps raise funds for the school’s various academic, athletic and extracurricular programs every time a member swipes their card.
“The Gesa Student-Run Credit Union has taken our Lynnwood High School Marketing/DECA program to the next level!” said Mark Madison, Director of Career and Technical Education at Edmonds School District. “Thanks to this exciting partnership, our students are building real-world skills in leadership, career readiness, and financial literacy—gaining hands-on experience both in school and in our local community. We’re thrilled to keep growing and expanding this incredible program and are so grateful to Gesa for helping prepare and inspire our students for success in college, careers, and beyond!”
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’re incredibly proud to bring our High School Credit Union Program to Lynnwood High School,” said Brandon Allison, AVP of Community Impact at Gesa Credit Union. “There’s something powerful about watching a student help their peer open their first account or answer a real-life money question. It’s financial education in action, and it speaks to what Gesa values most – building stronger communities by investing in the next generation.”
To celebrate the reopening, students helped plan a small kickoff event Tuesday with giveaways and prizes for their classmates.
Gesa considers itself a leading credit union in Washington dedicated to driving meaningful change in the communities it serves.
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/.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
