This article was provided by Heather Vincent, Market Executive, Bank of America Nashville
“Eye-opening” and “transformative.”
That’s how Ravenwood High School Senior Omkar Upadhye described his experience in the Bank of America Student Leaders program last summer. The deadline for Nashville area high school juniors and seniors to apply to be a 2022 Student Leader is fast approaching.
The Bank of America Student Leaders program in 2021 gave four Middle Tennessee students the opportunity to gain work and leadership experience through a paid internship, while making a difference in their communities.
This program started in 2004 and gives students across the U.S. the opportunity to network and gain valuable skills for the workforce.
Here in Nashville, these student leaders worked directly with the Oasis Center, a nonprofit that aids Nashville youth experiencing poverty. Upadhye and other 2021 student leaders spearheaded a project to help undocumented students gain access to college.
Upadhye said that working with the Oasis Center opened his eyes to the challenges his undocumented peers face when trying to continue their education after high school. He plans to use the knowledge he gained to help undocumented teens in the future.
At Bank of America, we believe it is our role as community business leaders to prepare the next generation to be good business leaders and community-minded citizens. We want our future leaders to step outside their comfort zones to improve their communities while excelling in their careers.
Student leaders participating in this program also receive leadership training, a better understanding of personal finances through our Better Money HabitsÒ program, and strengthen their critical communication and teamwork skills.
It’s never too early for teens to start thinking about internships and work experience. We recognize that early employment leads to success later in life. By building a resume and professional networks, young people can also improve academic performance. We also recognize the ability to earn a paycheck this summer will be essential to many young people, whether they are helping to support their families or planning for the future.
Nashville area high school juniors and seniors can learn more about the Bank of America Student Leaders program by visiting bankofamerica.com/studentleaders. The deadline to apply for 2022 consideration is January 28.
