What does a high schooler do for summer vacation?

Family road trip?

Work at a local convenience store or restaurant?

For those interested in something  more civic-minded and rewarding, there is the Bank of America 2020 Student Leaders Program. The philanthropic program helps high schoolers from Detroit and across the nation build job and leadership skills while having a positive impact on their community.

Five young people from Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties will be awarded a paid internship as they learn how to help better their communities.

Part of Bank of America’s outreach effort to recognize youth who lead and serve in their communities and beyond, this program connects high school junior and seniors with a local non-profit organization. In Detroit, that non-profit is Focus:HOPE.

The program’s leadership philosophy stresses that building the blocks of character, commitment and quality begins in neighborhoods and communities where promising youth are found.

“The Student Leaders program has proven that a more diverse and inclusive society advances economic mobility,” says Matt Elliott, Michigan market president, Bank of America. “It provides promising young people with leadership skills and meaningful workforce experience.”

Participants will also take part in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., to further educate them on how to affect and improve the world.

Interested students must apply before January 31 by clicking here and must also fit the following criteria:

• Currently be a junior or senior in high school in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb Counties
• 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 U.S. without sponsorship through the end of September 2020
• Be able to participate in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. (July 13 – July 18, 2020 with all expenses paid. (This week will be part of the 8-week experience.)
• Be a student in good standing at your school
• Obtain and submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator. Contact your recommender as soon as possible to provide them with the requirements listed at the end of the application. You will need to upload the letter no later than January 31.

Student Leaders will also learn financial skills through Bank of America’s Better Money Habits.

Young people who want to take part in community outreach can apply here.

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