FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maps Credit Union Brings ‘Bite of Reality’ to Jefferson High School
Jefferson, Ore. — [April 30, 2025] Maps Credit Union recently brought financial reality to life for students at Jefferson High School through an immersive event called Bite of Reality, a hands-on budgeting simulation designed to teach teens the real costs of adulting.
Made possible by a grant from the GoWest Foundation, the event placed students in the driver’s seat of adult financial decision-making—complete with jobs, expenses, surprise costs, and even families to support. As they moved from table to table, making choices about housing, transportation, childcare, and more, students gained a deeper understanding of how far a paycheck really goes.
“I feel like I deal with these expenses every day, but the reality of it is so much worse,” said one Jefferson High School junior, after her first run through the simulation. Participants get two chances at the simulation with different jobs, expenses, and experiences.
A fellow student echoed her sentiment: “You have to prepare for the unexpected,” he said. “The first time, I spent money on smaller things first. The second time, I paid for housing and transportation up front—and that made a huge difference.”
The event was run by Bart Cedillo, the Maps Community Relationship Manager (who is colloquially known as “The Maps Guy”), and a team of Maps volunteers. The Bite of Reality program is part of Maps Credit Union’s long-standing commitment to financial education and community engagement. “We want you to experience what you would do in real life because the decisions you make have consequences—whether negative or positive,” Cedillio told the students. “We know that when you get a realistic picture of what life costs, you can make smarter choices in the future.”
The Bite of Reality program is now available to schools and organizations within the Maps Credit Union community. It accommodates small and large groups in grades 6-12.
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About Maps Credit Union
Maps Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Serving Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley since 1935, Maps Credit Union was founded by teachers and built on a belief in education, service, and community. Today, as a community-chartered credit union, anyone who lives, works, or learns in the Willamette Valley Basin is eligible to join Maps. With more than 80,000 members and 10 branches, Maps offers banking that puts people first. Through our mission, Every Member Benefits, Maps focuses on providing affordable loans, competitive savings options, and personalized financial solutions. And, as a proud partner in local schools, nonprofits, and neighborhoods, Maps gives back through financial literacy programs, charitable giving, and hands-on community involvement.
For more information about the Bite of Reality program, contact Bart Cedillio, Community Relationship Manager at bcedillo@mapscu.com.