GRICHLAND, Wash.–Gesa Credit Union named the winners of its Scholarship Program, awarding more than $145,000 in scholarships to 43 students across the Pacific Northwest. 

Since 1987, Gesa has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to students who have active student loans, are entering college for the first time, are continuing to pursue higher education, or are interns in the credit union’s High School Credit Union (HSCU) Program. 

Through the HSCU Program, student interns help operate fully functional, student-run branches within their high schools. Now offered in 18 partner schools across Washington, the program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in financial services while developing leadership, financial literacy and career skills that prepare students for life beyond graduation, the credit union said.

‘Blown Away’

“Each year, I’m blown away by the quality of our students’ applications and how clearly they’ve thought through using these funds to support their next steps,” Brandon Allison, AVP of Community Impact at Gesa Credit Union, said in a statement.  “Helping reduce the financial barriers to education is one of the many ways we are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders in our communities. These students are driven, focused, and ready to make a difference, and we’re proud to support their journeys.”