PASCO, Wash. — Gesa Credit Union is awarding more than $372,000 to 25 school districts and educational institutions across Central and Southeastern Washington as schools contend with budget pressures that are threatening student programs.
The funding is being distributed through Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card program and can be used by schools for needs ranging from technology upgrades and teacher professional development to athletics, extracurricular activities, band equipment and uniforms, according to Apple Valley News Now.
Brandon Allison, Gesa’s vice president of community impact, told Apple Valley News Now that school officials have reported that budget deficits are affecting programs serving students.
“What we’re hearing from schools is that budget deficits are impacting programs that develop students, and these funds are helping support those programs because the funds that are directed to these schools are designed to directly support students,” Allison said.
The Affinity Debit Card program provides funding to schools when participating Gesa members use their affinity debit cards. Schools have flexibility in determining how the money is spent based on their individual needs and priorities. Funding can support academic programs, technology, professional development, athletics and other extracurricular activities, the report noted.
The Recipients
The 25 recipients in Central and Southeastern Washington are:
- College Place School District
- Columbia Basin College Foundation
- Columbia School District
- Delta High School
- Eastmont School District
- Ephrata School District
- Finley School District
- Heritage University
- Kennewick School District
- Kiona-Benton City School District
- Liberty Christian School
- Moses Lake School District
- Naches Valley School District
- Pasco School District
- Prosser School District
- Pullman Public Schools
- Richland School District
- Selah School District
- St. Patrick Catholic School
- Tri-Tech Skills Center
- Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School
- Walla Walla Public Schools
- Wenatchee School District
- West Valley School District
- Yakima School District
More Than $500K Distributed Statewide
Statewide, Gesa is distributing more than $500,000 to 35 school districts through the program this year, the largest annual distribution since the initiative began, Apple Valley News Now reported.
The credit union’s Affinity Debit Card program has generated more than $2.78 million for schools since 2015.
The program is designed to provide schools with an additional source of funding as districts face tight budgets while allowing families and community members to support local education through their everyday debit card purchases.
