Yehowseph Brown not only found a way to prepare for a successful career, he also latched on to something that would make him a better person.

A participant in Bank of America’s Student Leaders program, he is featured in a video on the company’s website. In it he says the experience gave him the tools he needed to create a successful career and “inspired me to be better because there is a lot of people out there who are doing some incredible things. If they’re doing it, there is no reason I can’t.”

High school juniors and seniors in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties can do it, too.

Applications for the 2018 Student Leaders program are open until February 2, and they are eligible to apply. Online applications are available at www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders.

“I think it’s so important to start us on the right track,” says Emily Yin, who is also featured in the video. “That way, once we enter the workforce, we’ll know what we’re doing, and we can compete.”

Those chosen as Student Leaders participate in an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization where they learn first-hand about the needs of their community and the critical role nonprofits play. They also learn civic, social and business leadership skills.

In addition, they attend the Student Leaders Summit held in Washington, D.C. where they learn how government, business and the nonprofit sector work together to address critical community needs.

“The Student Leaders program strengthened my desire to help my community,” says Brown. “And I’m looking forward to being in spaces where I can advocate for the people who don’t have a voice.”

To become a Student Leader, you must:

• Currently be a junior or senior in high school
• Be able to participate in an 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization and work 35 hours a week
• Be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship through the end of September 2018
• Be able to participate in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC (July 8-July 13, 2018) (All expenses paid. This week is part of the 8-week experience.)
• Be a student in good standing at your school

Those applying also need a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator.

“The Student Leaders program can be a pathway to success through meaningful and relevant experiences,” says Matt Elliott, Michigan Market president, Bank of America. “To advance economic mobility we need to develop a more diverse and inclusive society. Year after year, Student Leaders proves it can be done.”

Since 2004, Bank of America has connected more than 2,500 Student Leaders to employment, skills development and service in communities all around the country

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