Atlanta High School Students Shine in BofA’s Paid Summer Internship

High School Juniors and Seniors in Atlanta Marked as Student Leaders

Five high school juniors and seniors in metro Atlanta have been chosen to take part in the competitive Student Leaders program by Bank of America (#BofAStudentLeaders). This eight-week paid summer internship aims to bridge the gap between community-minded students and employment opportunities, offering skills development, financial education coaching, and meaningful service experience.

20th Year of Empowering Teen Potential

This year marks BofA’s twentieth successful year partnering with Atlanta on this robust Student Leaders scheme. The program began back in 2004 and has since selected 103 highly promising high school students. The initiative continuously strives to foster a skilled workforce, crucial for Atlanta’s long-term economic growth, by equipping the next generation with significant career and leadership development opportunities.

According to Al McRae, President of Bank of America Atlanta, the initiative plays a significant role in preparing future generations for the challenges and demands of tomorrow’s economy.

The Atlanta High School Student Leaders of 2024

• Ellis Schroeder – Druid Hills High School
• Annie Lin – North Atlanta High School
• Ososese Okojie – Douglas County High School
• Matthew Phillips – Lakeside High School
• Paul Gomez – South Cobb High School

A Partnership With East Lake Foundation That Transcends The norm

The selected Student Leaders will also collaborate on a mentor-focused project with the East Lake Foundation. For twelve consecutive years, the foundation has hosted BofA’s Student Leaders from Atlanta. With over 55 Atlanta Student Leaders having interned with the foundation since 2013, the partnership continues to stand as a testament to community revitalization and empowerment.

The East Lake Foundation, a beacon of positive community transformation, is credited with helping residents and families in Atlanta’s East Lake neighborhood and at the Charles R. Drew Charter School to build a better future through an integrated model that includes high-quality education, mixed-income housing, and community wellness.

BofA’s Wider Reach: Summer Youth Employment Program and Financial Center Internship Program

Not limited to the Student Leaders Program, Bank of America is facilitating employment opportunities for 80 teens and young adults through its Summer Youth Employment Program. In conjunction with the Urban League of Atlanta, BofA also offers the Financial Center Internship program.

An Eventful Summer Wind-Up with National Leadership Summit

As a befitting closure to the summer, the Student Leaders will embark on a week-long trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a national leadership summit. The summit aims to broaden their perspectives on how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to meet the needs of their local community, laying a robust foundation for their future leadership roles.

Helping Atlanta Rise

In a landscape where youth unemployment often poses a challenge to the overall labor market, programs like these by BofA provide a lifeline to the deserving student population of Atlanta. By empowering them with necessary skills, experiences, and mentorship, it’s evident that the banking leader is committed to fostering the city’s vibrant future workforce, contributing to Atlanta’s growing economy.