Bank of America recently announced that two junior and senior students from high schools in the Sarasota-Manatee area were selected as this year’s Student Leaders. They are Anayeli Alvarado of Bradenton's Southeast High School, who is headed to USF St. Pete in the fall, and Maya Dean-Elois of Bradenton's Braden River High School, who is entering her senior year. 

The students will be part of a six-week paid summer internship program that aims to strengthen their leadership abilities, civic engagement and workforce skills-building.  In light of the health concerns due to COVID-19, the program has been adapted to a virtual format, through which students will have the opportunity to participate in sessions that will expose them to the vital role that nonprofits play in advancing community health, the importance of public private partnerships to advance social change and a focus on building financial acumen. They will participate in a collaborative, mentoring-focused project working closely with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County to develop a “for kids, by teens” public service announcement that addresses current events and discusses how to make the world a better place. 

In addition, Student Leaders will engage in conversations focused on social justice, civil rights and how to build a more diverse and inclusive society and have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their personal finances through Better Money Habits, Bank of America’s financial wellness and education platform. As part of their Student Leader experience, each student will receive a $5,000 stipend to recognize them for their community achievements.