BECU, Gesa, Numerica and STCU team up to bring MoneyIRL to Spokane-area students
First-of-its-kind experience will give thousands of local students hands-on practice navigating real-world financial decisions
SPOKANE, WASH. (September 18, 2026) ‒ Thousands of Spokane-area high school students will experience a new approach to financial education this fall as BECU, Gesa Credit Union, Numerica Credit Union and STCU come together to host MoneyIRL, a first-of-its-kind event designed to turn financial lessons into real-world practice.
The four credit unions are joining forces around a shared goal of helping the next generation build the knowledge and confidence to navigate their financial futures. The collaboration puts the credit union principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” into action, combining the organizations’ resources and financial education expertise to make a lasting positive impact on students across the region.
MoneyIRL will bring more than 1,500 high school juniors and seniors from 10 school districts to the Spokane Convention Center on September 22 to explore the financial decisions and responsibilities they may face as they enter adulthood. Students will take part in simulations and interactive challenges and hear from professional speakers who will share inspiring messages and lessons they can apply in their own lives.
A central part of MoneyIRL will be the Bite of Reality® simulation, an app-based experience that assigns students a fictional career, income and family before challenging them to manage a full month of expenses. Students will work through eight budgeting categories, including housing, transportation, food and utilities, with unexpected costs requiring them to adjust their budgets and see how one financial decision can affect another. Optional challenges throughout the simulation will give students additional ways to apply what they are learning in real time.
“Financial confidence is built through experience, and MoneyIRL gives students the opportunity to navigate important financial decisions in a supportive environment,” said Beverly Anderson, President and CEO, BECU. “By helping young people connect everyday choices to their long-term goals, we can expand pathways to opportunity and empower the next generation to build stronger financial futures.”
“There is a difference between understanding financial concepts and feeling prepared to make money decisions on your own,” said Don Miller, President and CEO, Gesa Credit Union. “MoneyIRL is about helping students build that confidence before many of these decisions become part of their everyday lives.”
“Credit unions have a unique ability to reinvest in the communities they serve,” said Carla Cicero, President and CEO, Numerica Credit Union. “Programs like MoneyIRL are a great example of that impact. We believe in creating opportunities that help students build brighter financial futures. The credit union model of people helping people allows us to support programs and partnerships that make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
“MoneyIRL is a great example of what credit unions can accomplish when we work together around a shared purpose. Collectively we provide financial education that makes a meaningful difference in students lives.” said Lindsey Myhre, President and CEO, STCU.
About credit unions
Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit cooperatives. More than 145 million Americans enjoy the benefits of credit union membership, including more than 5 million who are members of Washington credit unions.
Media Contacts:
BECU
Email: PR@BECU.com
Gesa Credit Union
Xiamara Garza-Urbieta (Curator PR)
Email: PR@Gesa.com
Numerica Credit Union
Amanda Swan
Email: aswan@numericacu.com
STCU
Dan Hansen
Email: danh@stcu.org