Bank of America today announced four high school juniors and seniors were selected as Bank of America Student Leaders, an eight-week summer internship providing students with first-hand experience in serving their communities. These students are working with local nonprofits Riverside Art Museum, Making Hope Happen, Hope Through Housing and Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass, earning $17 per hour. They also receive a Chromebook and will have the option to voluntarily participate in in-person activities as part of the internship.
While the Inland Empire economic recovery is slightly ahead of the state average with employment and the labor force at three percent above pre-pandemic levels, 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.
“Bank of America is steadfast in our commitment to supporting teens and young adults by connecting them to jobs, community engagement opportunities and leadership development,” said Bansree Parikh, president, Bank of America Inland Empire. “These students are the future of the Inland Empire, which is why programs like Student Leaders are one way we can provide paid opportunities for them to gain positive employment experience while developing a diverse pipeline of talent as they enter our local workforce.”
These four students were selected for their leadership, background, passion and commitment to the community.
Anahy Castaneda, Ontario, Chaffey High School: Anahy’s passion to help all students access a pathway to higher education, she created a scholarship database for the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan student club at her school, in which she also served as President. She also created an online community-based resource to help even more low-income minority students apply for higher education and get help with the college application process.
Samar Farooqi, Riverside, Riverside STEM Academy: Samar learned how to combat racism at an early age as other students criticized him for his Muslim religion and upbringing. Those experiences inspired him to advocate for Muslims and other minority groups, serving on the board of the Islamic Circle of North America’s Young Muslims Association where he helped foster friendship amongst other Muslims. He was a dedicated math and SAT tutor throughout high school. He will be attending UC Berkely in the fall.
Isabelle Prittie, Rialto, International Polytechnic High School: Growing up amongst social inequities in education, health and the local wage gap, Isabelle was inspired to co-found a Social Justice Club at her high school that gathers and distributes essential needs such as clothing and feminine hygiene products, as well as raising awareness around social justice issues.
Abraham Sanchez, Banning, Banning High School: With a drive to be a leader from an early age, Abraham noticed that teens did not have a say in decisions directly affecting them, so he began attending city council meetings and speaking in front of the council on behalf of the youth in his community which encouraged his peers to do the same. As president of the Keystone Club, he started a campaign to help teens communicate post-pandemic following so much isolation, helping to give them a voice.
Started in 2004, the Student Leaders program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. The Inland Empire-based Student Leaders are participating in programming that includes a collaborative, mentor-focused project with the Riverside Art Museum, Making Hope Happen, Hope Through Housing and Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass. They will also participate in a virtual Leadership Summit, delivered in partnership with the Close Up Foundation will include opportunities to engage with members of Congress, hear from civil and human rights leaders, and the Stanford University Young Democracy at Home program which encourages conversation about current issues facing young people today.
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