Bank of America Student Leaders: A Complete Guide

If you’re in high school and hoping to turn your passion for service into a profession, joining the Bank of America Student Leaders program is one way to do just that. Built for students looking to gain real work experience through local action, the program remains one of the most rewarding professional opportunities available today.

Ready to spark meaningful change in your community? This guide breaks down what the Bank of America Student Leaders is, who gets in, and what to expect if you’re applying, so you can make the most of the opportunity.

• What Is the Bank of America Student Leaders Program?
• Bank of America Student Leaders Program Acceptance Rate
• Bank of America Student Leaders Program Application Deadline
• Bank of America Student Leaders Program Requirements
• How to Get Into the Bank of America Student Leaders Program
• Why Join the Bank of America Student Leaders Program?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Bank of America Student Leaders Program?

The Bank of America Student Leaders program is an eight-week internship with a purpose. Instead of spending the summer at a retail or office job, you’ll be placed in a local nonprofit, working 35 hours a week on pressing community issues. Think helping run youth programs or supporting food bank operations.

Built for high school juniors and seniors, the program has been offering leadership training and a hands-on introduction to service-driven careers since 2004. So instead of sitting on the sidelines, you’ll take an active role, working closely with nonprofit partners like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way chapters.

As part of the program, you’ll also get to experience how your assigned organization collaborates with local government and the private sector to address social issues. That exposure culminates in the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.—a weeklong event where you’ll join more than 300 peers to explore leadership, policy, and community challenges.

While the 2025 Student Leaders program is already underway, with the summit scheduled for July 21st to 26th, internships typically begin in June, right after the school year ends. So even if exact dates for the next cycle haven’t been released, applications are expected to reopen in early fall 2025, giving you plenty of time to prepare.

If you’re serious about turning service into action, getting into the Bank of America Student Leaders program is undeniably one of the clearest paths to start making an impact.

Bank of America Student Leaders Program Acceptance Rate

With fewer than 1 in 20 applicants accepted each year, getting into the Bank of America Student Leaders program is no easy feat. In the past cycle alone, just 315 high school students were selected from a pool of more than 7,000 applicants, placing acceptance at roughly 4.5% in 2024.

Most cycles fall between 5% and 8%, making it one of the most selective leadership internships available to high school juniors and seniors in the U.S.

Bank of America Student Leaders Program Application Deadline

For a program as competitive as Bank of America Student Leaders, missing the deadline isn’t an option. In the most recent cycle, applications opened on October 14, 2024, and closed just three months later on January 15—giving applicants a limited window to prepare.

With tight deadlines and no exception given for late submissions, staying ahead of the typical January deadline is essential to be considered and receive updates on next steps.

Notification and other key dates

If selected, you can expect to hear back by late March or early April, when most Bank of America Student Leaders notifications are released. In 2025, for example, decisions were sent out in early April, with placement details and onboarding timelines shared shortly after.

While internship start dates vary by location or market, most begin in early to mid-June. Be sure to keep an eye out for final instructions, which are typically shared after acceptance.

Bank of America Student Leaders Program Requirements

While commitment to service matters, applying to the Student Leaders program takes more than just volunteer experience. You’ll also need to be eligible to work and meet the qualities the program looks for in a candidate. Before you get too far into the process, here are the Bank of America Student Leaders requirements you’ll need to qualify:

Eligibility

Even the strongest application won’t make it through if you don’t meet Bank of America Student Leaders’ basic eligibility requirements. With thousands of applicants eyeing the same coveted spot, here’s what to look for first to make sure your application stands a chance:

• Currently a high school junior or senior. You must be in 11th or 12th grade at the time of application and in good standing with your school (both in academics and in character).
• Authorized to work in the U.S. You need to be legally permitted to work in the United States at the end of the program year, without the need for employer sponsorship.
• Availability for the full eight weeks. Willingness to participate full-time—35 hours per week for the entire internship, including the Student Leaders Summit—is a must.
• Live in an eligible location. While available in most U.S. states, the program does not operate in Alabama, Alaska, Hawai’i, Mississippi, Montana, North or South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming. To qualify, be sure that your city or region is listed among the approved locations.
• No immediate family employed by Bank of America. To avoid conflicts of interest, you must not have a parent or other immediate family currently working for the bank.
• First-time applicant. While it may be tempting to apply again, the program only accepts participants once. If you’ve already been selected in a past year, you’re no longer eligible.

Before you focus on your application materials, make sure you meet the core eligibility criteria first. After all, meeting all of the Bank of America Student Leaders requirements is the first step toward building a strong application.

Required documents

Once your eligibility is confirmed, it’s time to gather the documents you’ll need to complete your application. While the process isn’t overly complex, missing even one part can disqualify you entirely. To avoid a last-minute scramble before the Bank of America Student Leaders application deadline, make sure you’ve prepared the following must-haves:

• Online application form. This includes personal and academic details that confirm your eligibility and commitment, as well as short-answer essay reflections on leadership, service, and personal growth.
• One digital letter of recommendation. A teacher, counselor, or administrator from your current school should submit an official letter on school letterhead that highlights your character, work ethic, and leadership potential.
• Résumé (optional). While not required, you may include a two-page résumé that outlines your extracurricular activities, service projects, honors, or work experience.

The more complete and polished your documents are, the stronger your application will come across to reviewers, so take the time to get each part right.

Program costs

One of the biggest advantages of joining the Student Leaders program is that you don’t have to pay to participate. Unlike other competitive summer opportunities, Bank of America covers your travel, lodging, meals, and other major expenses, including baggage fees for the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.

Aside from personal souvenirs or small incidental costs, there’s little to no financial burden on you or your family. In fact, you’ll even get paid for your time. Student Leaders typically earn between $20 and $24 per hour, depending on location, making the program accessible and incredibly worthwhile.

With the Bank of America Student Leaders program covering your costs and paying you for your work, you can safely focus on community impact and professional growth without worrying about how to afford it.

How to Get Into the Bank of America Student Leaders Program

To get into the Bank of America Student Leaders program, you’ll need real commitment and initiative. And one of the best ways to demonstrate your potential is through a competitive, well-prepared application. If you’re serious about becoming a Student Leader, here’s how to approach each step of the process strategically:

1. Confirm your eligibility and program commitment.

Before working on your application and creating your account, you’ll need to confirm you’re eligible—and that you’re ready to commit. So once you click “Apply” on the Bank of America Student Leaders program site, your first step will be completing a short series of “yes or no” questions covering everything from your grade level to your time commitment.

It might seem straightforward, but don’t rush through it. Make sure your answers reflect your real availability, background, and work status. Before ticking any boxes, take a moment to assess your willingness to forego summer travel or other commitments. Check whether your location is eligible, or speak with your school counselor if you’re unsure what applies to you.

2. Set up your online application account.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, the next step is setting up your CyberGrants account through the Bank of America Student Leaders application portal. After creating a login, review the program’s requirements and expectations on the “Welcome Page” before starting a new application.

While it’s tempting to jump straight into your dashboard, take time to read through each section so you understand what’s being asked and how much time you’ll need. You won’t need to upload anything yet, but you can start drafting your short-answer responses in a separate document or brainstorm who to ask for a recommendation.

3. Complete your application and upload required materials.

Once you have access to your Student Leaders application, take the time to fill out every required section carefully. From contact details to background questions, each field helps determine if your application can move forward, so avoid missing or incorrect information that could lead to disqualification.

While working on your application, it’s also a good time to brief your recommender on what the letter should include and when it’s due. Ask if you’re allowed to upload the letter directly or if they prefer to use the separate link sent to them after submission. Just make sure their contact information is accurate so they receive the request link without issues.

Upload your completed documents as soon as they’re ready. Above all, give yourself a few days’ allowance before the official Bank of America Student Leaders application deadline to troubleshoot any unexpected tech issues or delays.

4. Submit your application and look out for updates.

Before you hit submit, take time to review each section of your Student Leaders application for accuracy and completion. Double-check your short-answer responses, confirm that all required fields are filled out, and make sure your recommender is aware of the submission deadline—especially if they plan to upload the letter themselves.

Once submitted, stay alert for any updates. Keep an eye on your inbox and consider checking student forums to see when others begin hearing back. If your recommender hasn’t uploaded their letter yet, check in with them politely to ensure they’ve received the request link and are on track. The system won’t send reminders, so it’s on you to stay on track after submission.

6. Prepare for interviews and onboarding if selected.

After submitting your application, you may be contacted for an interview depending on your local market. Not all applicants or locations require one, so don’t worry if you don’t hear anything. If your region does conduct interviews, they typically take place in late March and are used to better understand your goals, interests, and readiness for the program.

Regardless of whether you’re interviewed, final decisions will follow. If you’re selected as a Bank of America Student Leader, expect to receive onboarding instructions once notifications go out. When that happens, follow all next steps carefully, including any confirmations or forms required by your nonprofit host.

Why Join the Bank of America Student Leaders Program?

When you’re weighing how to spend your summer, few opportunities offer long-term value the way the Bank of America Student Leaders program does. If you’re still on the fence, here’s what you can expect to walk away with once accepted:

1. Gain a paid, hands-on work experience

Getting real-world experience at a nonprofit is a big part of what sets the Bank of America Student Leaders apart. Just as a Charleston Student Leader in 2024 used digital tools and in-person outreach during his internship to connect Charleston Promise Neighborhood with local communities, you can expect to do the same—and more—while also being paid for your time.

2. Build leadership and valuable workplace skills

From supporting nonprofit operations to participating in the national Student Leaders Summit, the program helps you build practical skills you’ll carry into college and your career. Think of it as early training in communication, time management, and teamwork—plus a learning opportunity on how to take initiative in professional settings.

3. Contribute to real community impact

Through the Bank of America Student Leaders nonprofit placement, there’s no shortage of ways to make a difference where it counts. You might plan youth development programs, assist with local education initiatives, or even support sanitation efforts in the Dominican Republic—all depending on your local organization’s needs.

4. Network with peers professionally nationwide

Beyond the all-expense-paid leadership training, connecting with peers who share your views and values is one of the highlights of the Student Leaders experience. With over 300 student changemakers from across the U.S., the Student Leaders Summit is your chance to form lasting connections and engage in conversations that matter.

5. Explore careers in service and social impact

By working closely with nonprofit leaders on hands-on community projects, you’ll also get early exposure to what service-related careers actually look like. Like other Student Leaders, you may even discover a new interest in fields like public policy, law, education, or nonprofit management—paths that let you keep making an impact long after the program ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How competitive is the Bank of America Student Leaders program?

The program is highly selective, with the Bank of America Student Leaders acceptance rate typically falling between 5% to 8% each year. In 2024, over 7,000 high school juniors and seniors applied—and only 315 were selected. With limited spots available nationwide, standing out means building a strong application that shows initiative, leadership, and commitment.

2. When does the Bank of America Student Leaders application open?

To join the program, applications typically open in mid-October and close by mid-January. In the 2025 cycle, for example, the Bank of America Student Leaders application ran from October 14 to January 15—giving you just three months to prepare. That’s why planning early matters, especially when juggling school, extracurriculars, and deadlines in your junior or senior year.

3. How long does the Bank of America Student Leaders program last?

The Student Leaders program runs for about eight weeks over the summer, typically starting in June and ending with the Student Leaders Summit in late July. During that time, you’ll work 35 hours per week at a nonprofit in your local area and attend the national summit in Washington, D.C. So, it’s important to be available for the entire duration of the summer before applying.

4. What do accepted Student Leaders do during the program?

Accepted Student Leaders take on meaningful roles at local nonprofits and spend the summer contributing to community-focused work. That includes building leadership skills, learning from professionals, and connecting with other young leaders through the Student Leaders Summit.

5. How much do Bank of America Student Leaders get paid?

While exact pay may vary by location, most Bank of America Student Leaders earn between $20 and $24 per hour during their eight-week nonprofit internship. On top of being paid competitive wages, they also receive an all-expense-paid, week-long leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where travel, lodging, and meals are fully covered.

Takeaways

If you’re exploring ways to grow as a leader and serve your community, here’s what we know so far about the Bank of America Student Leaders program:

• A selective eight-week summer internship for high school juniors and seniors, the Student Leaders program accepts just over 300 annually to work at local nonprofits and attend a national summit.
• Applications open in October and close by mid-January, so give yourself enough time to sign up, meet the requirements, write your essays, and secure a recommendation.
• You’ll need to show strong leadership, initiative, and a clear commitment to service throughout your application.
• Aside from paid nonprofit work and the leadership summit in D.C., the program gives you hands-on experience, professional exposure, and a national peer network.
• Wondering if the Bank of America Student Leaders program is the right fit for your goals? An admissions expert can help you decide and guide you through building an application that supports your future in service and leadership.