Bank of America Student Leaders Program
This is an 8-week summer internship where students work ~35 hours/week at local nonprofit organizations, followed by a fully funded Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. Participants gain civic, social, and leadership skills through hands-on community service and a national leadership summit. The program is run by Bank of America in partnership with over 500 community nonprofits.
Eligibility and Application Information
Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors, legally authorized to work in the U.S. through September, and reside in one of the eligible Bank of America markets, with no previous participation in the program. The application opens in mid-October and closes by January 15, requiring an online form, personal essays, and one letter of recommendation, with optional resume. Some local markets may include interviews in March, and notifications are sent by early April.
Pay
Student Leaders earn a paid internship rate (typically $15–$24/hour depending on location) and often receive additional benefits like housing stipends and transportation reimbursements. Bank of America also covers all expenses for the national summit, including travel, meals, lodging, and baggage fees. For many students, this is their first paycheck and a valuable financial boost.
Prestige
This is a highly prestigious and selective program, with acceptance rates hovering around 5% (circa 315 of ~7,000+ applicants), making it one of the most competitive high school civic internships. Over the past two decades, more than 4,500 students have participated, helping shape future leaders in community engagement and public service. Alumni often leverage the program on college applications and in leadership roles, reflecting its strong reputation.