TAPCO Receives Shining Star Award from Tacoma Public Schools

TAPCO Credit Union was recognized with the Shining Star Community Partner Award from Tacoma Public Schools for the month of January. The award highlights community organizations that help support students, families, and schools through partnership and service.

Established in 2014, the Shining Star Community Partner Award acknowledges that student success is strengthened through collaboration between schools and the broader community. Each month, Tacoma Public Schools recognizes a partner or volunteer at a school board meeting who has made a difference in the lives of students and families.

The January recognition reflects the ongoing partnership supporting financial education for students at Baker Middle School.

Through classroom visits and interactive activities, TAPCO Vice President of Community Relations Richard Stirgus works with students to explore practical money skills. Lessons include opening savings and checking accounts, learning about budgeting, and understanding how financial decisions shape future opportunities.

Students also participate in a car loan simulation where they choose a potential future vehicle and learn about the realities of ownership, financing, and budgeting. The activity helps students connect financial decisions to real life outcomes.

To help students begin their own financial journey, TAPCO offers matching funds of up to $50 per student through the program, including a $25 savings match and a $25 checking match. The match helps students take their first step toward building savings and understanding the value of managing money.

The nomination for the award was submitted by Monte Gibbs, CTE Financial Literacy Teacher at Baker Middle School, who shared, "We are excited to see what will come next as this partnership grows and provides more support for the students of Tacoma Public Schools."

Partnerships with local schools help create opportunities for young people to build confidence around money and develop skills that support their future goals. TAPCO is proud to support financial education efforts that help students gain real world knowledge and prepare for the next stage of their lives.