Story by: Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partner Facilitator

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) has named Beacon Federal Credit Union as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Partner of the Month for January. This recognition highlights Beacon’s deep commitment to student success through leadership, internship opportunities, and practical training.

Beacon Federal Credit Union has been a driving force behind the district’s Global Business Academy since its partnership began in 2014. By leading the advisory board and hosting student interns, Beacon plays a vital role in preparing students for the professional world. Their involvement ensures that the next generation of business leaders gains the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a competitive workforce.

Adelina Gomez Abshire of Beacon states, “Through these partnerships, we’ve had the privilege of mentoring students and providing them with hands-on experiences within the credit union. We’ve watched them learn everyday operations, build confidence, and develop skills that prepare them for their future.”

Senior Goose Creek Memorial Global Business Academy student Willow Benedetto, who interns with Beacon, said, “As a bank intern, you learn crucial technical skills like financial modeling, data analysis, and understanding financial statements, along with essential soft skills.” Through these meaningful opportunities, Beacon Federal Credit Union continues to prove itself as a cornerstone of student development and future workforce readiness.

Beacon’s support reaches into various programs of study, including a strong partnership with the Digital Communications Academy. This partnership provides digital communications students with a unique platform to film content and manage Beacon’s social media accounts. This collaboration gives students the chance to apply their digital skills to a professional brand, building a portfolio of work while still in high school by creating commercials and digital posts for Beacon.

Beyond the classroom, Beacon Federal Credit Union maintains a constant, supportive presence throughout GCCISD. This partnership, which began in 2010 with Ashbel Smith and Bañuelos elementary schools, has grown into a comprehensive support system for the district. From hosting job-shadowing days and attending career fairs to collaborating with the bilingual program, the team is dedicated to uplifting both students and staff.

This commitment extends to the highest levels of leadership, as Adelina Gomez Abshire, Beacon's Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, currently serves as the President of the Goose Creek Education Foundation.

Beacon is perhaps most visible in local high schools through their annual "Reality Fairs," designed to prepare students for the financial demands of the real world. To date, they have hosted over 24 Reality Fairs, impacting more than 15,000 students. By providing these diverse experiences, Beacon remains a cornerstone of the CTE program, helping students turn classroom lessons into career success. As Abshire notes, “Beacon Federal Credit Union remains committed to supporting students through scholarships, internships, financial education, and mentoring opportunities—because investing in students today helps build stronger communities tomorrow.”

It is this forward-thinking approach that makes Beacon an invaluable asset to the district, fostering a legacy of success that will benefit Baytown for generations to come.

For more information on how to partner with GCCISD CTE, visit our website, https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.SWC