Bank of America selected two Charleston-area high schoolers as Student Leaders® (#BofAStudentLeaders), to participate in an eight-week summer internship providing students with first-hand experience in serving their communities. These students are participating in a paid internship experience of workforce skills, leadership, and civic engagement with local nonprofits, including Charleston Promise Neighborhood and Tri-county Cradle to Career Collaborative. As part of the program, they earn $17 per hour and receive a Chromebook.

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. Along with the Student Leaders program, Bank of America is partnering with other nonprofit organizations to fund paid jobs and internships across the Lowcountry region as part of the bank’s overall commitment to youth employment and workforce development as a pathway to economic mobility.

“Bank of America remains committed to supporting young adults by connecting them to jobs, community engagement opportunities, and leadership development,” said Mark Munn, president, Bank of America Charleston/Hilton Head. “We recognize young adults are the future of the Lowcountry, which is why programs like Student Leaders are one way we can provide paid opportunities for students to gain job experience while developing a diverse pipeline of talent as they enter the local workforce.”

The Class of 2022 Charleston Bank of America Student Leaders were selected for their leadership, background, passion, and commitment to the community.

• Michell Cordova-Huerta (Early College High School, 12th grader) – is an honors student inspired by other women to pursue leadership opportunities. Michell has a passion for volunteerism, serving children at the Ronald McDonald House and elder adults.
• William Jenkins (Burke High School, 12th grader) – is a leader in academic and extracurricular programs, like Student Government and JROTC. William aims to improve local communities by promoting racial equality and preparing the next generation to lead.

Started in 2004, the Student Leaders program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. The Charleston Student Leaders are participating in programming that includes collaborative, mentor-focused projects with Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (Cordova-Huerta) and Charleston Promise Neighborhood (Jenkins).

Michell’s internship with Tri-County Cradle to Career is composed of rotations with team leaders to flesh out the nonprofit’s fund development and impact work across the continuum of programs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion work is also a focus of the internship, such as partnering on events like computer giveaways to support the Eastside Community within the school feeder pattern.  

“Michell has an innovative, vibrant perspective and brings a broad set of competencies to the work,” said Tri-County Cradle to Career CEO, Phyllis Martin. “Our staff has been amazed and inspired by Michell’s view of the world and desire to learn about the programs impacting underserved communities in the Charleston area.”

Charleston Promise Neighborhood is providing William an opportunity to shadow leaders focused on three program pillars and wrap-around services – health & wellness, community & family engagement, and education. William is also spending valuable time in the field and getting an introduction to things happening in the community that Charleston Promise Neighborhood serves, such as educational programs to prevent learning loss and public community meetings.

“William has a unique seat at the table, having attended a Promise Neighborhood elementary school and participating in the programs firsthand,” said Charleston Promise Neighborhood Director of Marketing and Philanthropy, Djuanna Brockington. “That lived experience allows William to participate in a new way that benefits the students and families we serve.”

Bank of America Student Leaders also participated in a virtual Leadership Summit, delivered in partnership with the Close Up Foundation. The Summit included opportunities to engage with congressional leaders, hear from leaders in civil and human rights and participate in the Stanford University Young Democracy at Home program which encourages conversation about current issues facing young people today.