Through a partnership with Bank of America, the YMCA of South Florida hosted four Bank of America Student Leaders for a very successful summer. The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is awarded to high school juniors and seniors, engaged in community service. It includes a paid summer internship at a local nonprofit and leadership training at a summit in Washington, D.C. The eight-week, paid summer internship allows juniors and seniors in the program to develop important workforce skills and learn to build financial security at an early age.

This summer’s program included:

• Catalina Garcia, Cypress Bay High School
• Aila Joy Macarulay, Graduated from J.P. Taravella and is currently attending Hult International Business Schooll
• Aamir Latwala, American Heritage High School
• Alyssa Fletcher, Graduated from Stoneman Douglas and is currently attending the University of Michigan

The students functioned as the Y’s young and innovative Public Relations team, known as Neon. As the Y’s young, credible and motivated firm, their summer focused on providing in-depth campaigns for Aquatics; Drowning Prevention and Career Development, YLEAD; Y College Tour and Youth In Government Program and our Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Leaders within their own communities, they also learned about the Y brand, toured Y program sites, met with branch executives, department heads, and staff.

They also had the opportunity to present complete campaigns to YMCA and Bank of America Executives, along with their recommendations on sustainability.

Thanks once again to Bank of America for providing us with outstanding Student Leaders to help move our organization along!