The Bank of America Student Leader Program is a unique opportunity for high school students in the United States who want to make a real difference in their communities. This paid summer internship program not only helps teens gain valuable work experience but also teaches leadership skills, community service values, and real-world problem-solving abilities. If you’re a student who dreams of helping others, learning from professionals, and preparing for your future career, this program might be the perfect fit for you.
What Is the Bank of America Student Leader Program?
The Bank of America Student Leader Program is a prestigious community initiative started by Bank of America to support young leaders across the United States. Every year, the bank selects high school juniors and seniors from different states to participate in an eight-week paid summer internship with local nonprofit organizations. Along with the internship, students attend a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where they meet other young leaders from across the country, attend leadership workshops, and discuss important social issues.
This program focuses on empowering students to create positive change. Participants don’t just work in offices; they get hands-on experience in community projects, learn about nonprofit operations, and understand how businesses and nonprofits work together to solve local challenges. The Bank of America student leader application is competitive, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are huge.
Who Can Join the Program?
The Bank of America Student Leaders eligibility requirements are straightforward, but they’re also strict to make sure only the right students are chosen. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors who:
- Live in one of the participating Bank of America markets in the United States
- Are legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
- Have a passion for community service and leadership
- Are in good academic standing
- Can commit to the full eight-week summer internship and leadership summit
The bank specifically looks for students who have a track record of helping their communities—whether through volunteering, leading school clubs, or organizing neighborhood projects. If you’re someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems, and thinking of new ideas to improve your community, you might be exactly who they’re looking for.
How Does the Program Work?
The Bank of America Student Leader Program is carefully designed to balance real-world work experience with leadership education. It’s not just about working—it’s about learning, connecting, and building a foundation for your future career.
Paid Summer Internship
One of the most attractive features of the program is that it’s a paid internship for high school students. For eight weeks, selected Student Leaders work with local nonprofit organizations, such as food banks, community centers, or youth programs. You’ll earn a paycheck while making a real difference in your community.
During the internship, you could be helping with event planning, managing social media for a nonprofit, assisting in community outreach, or even supporting educational programs for children. This hands-on experience is invaluable because it allows you to develop workplace skills, understand nonprofit challenges, and see how your efforts create real change.
Leadership Training Week
In addition to the internship, participants attend the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. This is a week-long leadership training event where you’ll meet Student Leaders from across the United States. The summit includes workshops on teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and understanding social and economic issues affecting communities today.
You’ll also get to visit government buildings, meet public officials, and learn how policy decisions are made. This experience opens your eyes to how leadership works on a larger scale, beyond just your local community.
Learning From Mentors
Throughout the program, you’ll be connected with mentors from both the nonprofit organization and Bank of America. These mentors will guide you, answer your questions, and give you advice on college, career choices, and leadership growth. Many past Student Leaders say that their mentors provided guidance that helped them for years after the program ended.
Why Should You Apply?
Applying for the Bank of America Student Leader Program can be a life-changing decision. Not only will you gain paid work experience before even graduating high school, but you’ll also meet like-minded teens from across the nation. The program strengthens your college applications, gives you valuable professional references, and improves your leadership skills.
You’ll also learn how nonprofits and businesses work together to solve problems—something that can inspire you to start your own community projects or even pursue a career in social work, public policy, or nonprofit management. For many students, this is the first step toward building a career that makes a difference.
How to Apply for the Student Leader Program
The Bank of America Student Leader Program application process is online and straightforward, but you should take it seriously because competition is tough. You’ll need to:
- Visit the official Bank of America Student Leaders page during the application window
- Fill out personal information, academic details, and extracurricular activities
- Answer a series of essay questions to show your leadership qualities and community service experience
- Submit before the official deadline
Application Form
When filling out the Bank of America Student Leader Program application form, accuracy and detail matter. The form will ask about:
- Your contact and school information
- Volunteer and community service history
- Leadership roles you’ve held
- Work or internship experience (if any)
- References who can vouch for your leadership skills
Essay Questions
The essay section is your chance to stand out. Expect questions about your leadership experiences, community service projects, and the challenges you’ve faced. Be honest, give real examples, and explain how your actions made a difference.
Deadlines to Remember
Applications usually open in November and close in late January each year. Mark these dates in your calendar early—late submissions aren’t accepted.
Tips to Make Your Application Strong
- Highlight specific community service achievements
- Use clear, simple language to explain your leadership impact
- Ask a teacher or mentor to review your essays before submitting
- Show genuine passion for helping others—don’t just list activities
What Students Get from the Program
By completing the Bank of America Student Leader Program, you’ll walk away with:
- Paid work experience for your resume
- Leadership training from national experts
- A network of peers and mentors
- A deeper understanding of community service and social change
- Skills that will help you in college and future jobs
The Bottom Line
The Bank of America Student Leader Program is more than just a summer internship—it’s a chance to grow as a leader, gain valuable work experience, and connect with people who share your passion for making a difference. If you’re a high school junior or senior in the United States who cares about your community, this program could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Start preparing your application early, tell your story with confidence, and take the first step toward becoming a leader who changes the world.
