TAPCO Supports IRA Match for Tacoma Students
Through Futures 253, TAPCO Credit Union and community partners are helping Tacoma students gain hands-on financial education and begin investing for the future.
TACOMA, WA - May 28, 2026 - TAPCO Credit Union is proud to partner with Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma Education Dream Fund and other community organizations through Futures 253, a program designed to help Tacoma students build financial knowledge and take an early step into investing.
Futures 253 is powered by the Beverly Haughton IRA Partnership Fund and connects students with financial education, investing experience and support as they open and fund an IRA account. The program includes partnerships with TAPCO Credit Union and Wells Fargo Bank and is supported and endorsed by the Black Collective, Asia Pacific Cultural Center and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.
Through the program, students complete a series of steps that include submitting an interest form, completing a financial learning module, writing a reflection, opening and funding an account, and submitting proof of account creation.
Participating students can open and fund an IRA with the financial institution of their choice. Students who choose TAPCO can visit any TAPCO branch to open an investment account in person. According to Tacoma Public Schools, TAPCO offers an IRA savings account and a 30-month IRA certificate, and the initial $150 deposit can be made by cash, debit card, check or transfer from an existing TAPCO account.
Once students complete the program requirements, the Futures 253 coordinator verifies completion, the Tacoma Education Dream Fund is notified and students receive a $100 grant check by mail.
"Futures 253 gives students a chance to learn about financial planning and investing in a hands-on way," said Richard Stirgus, Vice President of Community Relations at TAPCO Credit Union. "We are grateful to be part of a partnership that helps students in our community begin building confidence around money, saving and planning for the future."
The program reflects TAPCO’s ongoing commitment to bringing humanity to financial services by supporting financial education and access for students in our community. By helping students understand long-term saving and investing earlier in life, Futures 253 creates a practical learning opportunity that can support their financial well-being beyond high school.
Tacoma Education Dream Fund directly supports Tacoma Public Schools as a funding partner, with community partnerships and donations helping make programs like Futures 253 possible.
Students and families can learn more about Futures 253 through Tacoma Public Schools.