Bank of America Connects Grand Rapids Youth to Workforce Success

Bank of America has announced that the two Grand Rapids students selected as Student Leaders (#BofAStudentLeaders) have started their summer 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 Grand Rapids based Bank of America Student Leaders are:

· Christina Vann, a Grand Rapids resident and graduate of West Michigan Aviation Academy

· Elyzabeth Martinez, a Grand Rapids resident and senior at C.A. Frost Environmental Service Academy

Grand Rapids Student Leaders will participate in programming that leverages Bank of America’s national partnerships and expertise and will work closely with the bank’s Grand Rapids leadership and a nonprofit partner. Both Vann and Martinez will participate in a collaborative, mentoring-focused projects working closely with Family Promise of Grand Rapids to increase awareness of the need for access to affordable housing and helping to find viable solutions for families with children who are facing a housing crisis. 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.

“It is an honor to work with Bank of America’s Student Leaders program, which engages young people looking to make a difference in their community,” said Cheryl Schuch, CEO, Family Promise of Grand Rapids. “This is further evidence of the bank’s support for our efforts to help families meet critical basic needs. We are confident our Student Leaders will learn about the rewards of nonprofit management and enhance their leadership skills.”

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.

“Through Student Leaders, we’re building pathways to success and giving voice to the next generation, who will help develop a more diverse and inclusive society,” said Renee Tabben, Grand Rapids Market President, Bank of America. “The Student Leaders program offers youth in Grand Rapids a unique opportunity to build their resume while also learning more about how to shape positive community change.”

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.

Recent estimates suggest that the number of disconnected youth – those who aren’t in school and don’t have a job – has likely tripled since last year and could be as high as 18 million. Without access to opportunities that build career skills, many young people may be left behind, leading to high rates of youth unemployment and hindering overall economic progress. In addition to Student Leaders, the bank invests in summer jobs for young people through its partnership with local youth employment programs. This summer, Bank of America is connecting approximately 3,000 young adults to summer jobs through partnerships with nonprofits and local mayors and its own Student Leaders® program.

Bank of America

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

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