​​​Bank of America has announced that two Savannah high school students selected as Student Leaders (#BofAStudentLeaders) have started their paid summer internship experience of leadership, civic engagement, and workforce skills-building.  In light of the health concerns that remain in local communities, 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.  

The Class of 2020 Savannah-based Bank of America Student Leaders are:

• Randall Jenkins, Woodville Tompkins Technical & Career Institute
• Nguyen Pham, Robert W. Groves High School

Savannah Student Leaders will participate in programming that leverages Bank of America's national partnerships and expertise and will work closely with the bank's leadership and nonprofit partners. They will participate in a collaborative, mentoring-focused project working closely with YMCA of Coastal Georgia​ to create a story bank tool, which is a means of collecting a variety of stories and anecdotes that can be used for fundraising, advocacy or other purposes. 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.

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.

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia has been serving the Coastal Georgia community for over 160 years, and continues to work every day to strengthen our community through three areas of focus; youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Bringing students from across the country together in order to discuss the role of citizenship and how cross sector collaboration creates community impact is a core component of the Student Leaders program. This year, 300 students will gather virtually for the Young America Together at Home program, delivered by the Close Up Foundation, which will include discussion of finding one's voice in order to effect change and pressing policy issues such as the economy, healthcare, the environment and immigration.

“Now more than ever, as we collectively navigate the challenges we face in our communities, we remain committed to supporting youth and young adults of all backgrounds by connecting them to jobs, skills-building and leadership development," said Patrick O'Neil, Savannah market president for Bank of America. “Creating opportunities for our youth to gain skills and build a network is a powerful investment in the future of our community."

Now in particular, in the wake of significant job losses nationwide, the ability to earn a paycheck will be essential to many young people whether they are helping to support their families or planning for the future. As part of their Student Leader experience, each student will receive a $5,000 stipend to recognize them for their community achievements. 

To learn more, visit Bank of America​.