Bank of America names 2021 Chicagoland Student Leaders

Bank of America recently announced that the five Chicago area high school juniors and seniors selected as Student Leaders (#BofAStudentLeaders) have started their paid summer internship experience of workforce skills, leadership, and civic engagement with local nonprofits Northern Illinois Food Bank and Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago. Similar to last year, the program has been adapted to a virtual format.

Without access to career skills-building opportunities like the Student Leaders program, many young people may be left behind from a fast-changing job market, leading to higher rates of youth unemployment.

As part of its commitment to workforce development as a pathway to economic mobility, Bank of America is connecting five teens and young adults to paid jobs and internships across the Chicago area with Northern Illinois Food Bank and Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago.

"Bank of America remains committed to supporting youth and young adults of all backgrounds by connecting them to jobs, skills-building and leadership development," said Paul Lambert, president, Bank of America Chicago. "Programs like Student Leaders are an investment in our community, where students will gain job experience while developing a diverse pipeline of talent as they enter the local workforce."

The Class of 2021 Chicago Bank of America Student Leaders are:

• Imani Morgan, East Garfield Park resident, Holy Trinity High School rising senior;

• Talib Becktemba-Goss, Oak Park resident, Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRFHS) graduate;

• Lauren Proby, Homewood resident, Homewood-Flossmoor High School graduate;

• Mayra Andreu, Back of the Yards resident, Lane Tech College Prep High School graduate;

• Miguel Ramirez, Rogers Park resident, Richard T. Crane Medical Preparatory High School graduate.

The Student Leaders program, which started in 2004, recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually.

The Chicago Student Leaders will engage in an eight-week paid internship and participate in programming that includes a collaborative, mentor-focused project working closely with Northern Illinois Food Bank and Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago. In addition, they will participate virtually in sessions on the vital role nonprofits play in advancing community health and the importance of public-private partnerships to drive social change while building financial acumen.

As part of this summer's program, Student Leaders will also take part in a virtual Summit in partnership with the Close Up Foundation to participate in Stanford University's Young Democracy at Home program, which encourages conversation about current issues facing young people today.