About

Since 2004, the Bank of America Student Leaders program has offered high-school juniors and seniors a paid eight-week internship at a local nonprofit organization, combined with a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to help prepare students from diverse backgrounds for future professional success and civic leadership. Participants gain practical work experience, develop leadership and professional skills, and engage in peer-networking and guidance through non-profit, government, and business sectors.

Admissions to Student Leaders are highly competitive. Applicants submit academic transcripts, an application detailing leadership and community commitment, and at least one recommendation. Legal authorization to work in the U.S. and availability to commit to the full eight-week internship (35 hours per week) and summit is required. Though no published acceptance rate is available, the program accepts over three hundred students and likely turns away many more than that number.

During the eight-week term, students work full-time at their nonprofit placements and then convene at a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where they engage in leadership development sessions and civic engagement projects. The summit emphasizes collaboration among nonprofit, business, and governmental stakeholders, giving participants a national perspective on community leadership. Interns build skills in professional communication, team leadership, project management, and civic responsibility.

Student Leaders stands out for its scale and corporate backing, which is reflected in the unusually generous paid employment. For students interested in service, leadership, and nonprofit work, the program offers an authentic professional experience and carries meaningful recognition. Its paid nature and national standing make it one of the absolute best choices for a wide range of students interested in civic engagement.