Today, about 15 percent of all young people across the country, or 4.7 million, are categorized as disconnected youth who aren’t in school and don’t have a job. Without access to opportunities that build career skills, many young people may be left behind, leading to high rates of youth unemployment and juvenile delinquency and hindering overall economic progress.
In 2018, Bank of America recognized 230 civic-minded high school juniors and seniors from 48 communities as Student Leaders. The young people vary in backgrounds but all share a common purpose — a commitment to advance social progress in their communities.
Bank of America provides students with a paid summer internship at a nonprofit where they gain a better understanding of how nonprofits achieve their mission as well as develop broader workforce skills. Partnering organizations range from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to local community organizations such as The Summer Learning Collaborative. In addition to on-the-job experience, Student Leaders head to Washington, D.C. for a week-long national leadership summit, focused on building a more diverse and inclusive society, the power of cross-sector collaboration, and advocacy. Student Leaders meet with Members of Congress and participate in activities such as a service learning project, poverty simulation, and other workshops to examine what it means to be part of an engaged society.
The Student Leaders program is part of our ongoing commitment to preparing young people for a brighter future. Since 2004, we’ve connected more than 3,000 community-minded students to employment, skill development and service. Learn more about three of our previous student leaders below.
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