New Haven Teen, Bank of America Student Leader, Completes Internship

NEW HAVEN, CT — Rainah Allen, a recent Platt Technical High School graduate, just finished an eight-week paid summer internship at Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport. Allen, who was a National Honor Society member while at Platt, was one of four students who were part of the Bank of America-sponsored 2023 Southern Connecticut Student Leaders program.

The Cardinal Shehan Center partnered with Bank of America to help Student Leaders build their leadership skills and learn through hands-on experiences. With changing economic environments and a shifting job market, young people need access to workforce experience and career skills-building opportunities. The private sector has a role to play to help better position and support young adults to be successful in today’s workforce.

Allen and her Student Leader peers earned $17 per hour as interns.

As part of the program, the students developed leadership skills and gained practical experience while working with the local nonprofit.

“Bank of America is committed to supporting young adults in Southern Connecticut by connecting them to jobs, leadership development opportunities and workforce training,” Bill Tommins, President, Bank of America Southern Connecticut, said. “In partnership with the Cardinal Shehan Center, the Student Leaders program helps our region’s youth gain hands-on work experience while developing a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline. Each year, it is encouraging to see Student Leaders hone their leadership and professional skills through their work serving local communities.”

The class of 2023 Southern Connecticut Bank of America Student Leaders:

• New Haven-based Rainah Allen is a recent graduate of Platt Technical High School, where she was a National Honor Society member. She plans to continue serving families in need after her internship experience.
• Bridgeport-based Lotonia Ferguson is a recent graduate of Central Magnet High School, where she developed leadership skills as a debate coach and captain. Lotonia plans to use her Student Leaders internship experience to continue helping local families in need.
• Stamford-based William Snead is a rising senior at Westhill High School and founded Linguistic Tutoring, a nonprofit that connects students from foreign countries to build inclusivity. William hopes to use the skills he learned as a Student Leader in his work to empower youth.
• Bridgeport-based Andrea Palacios is a rising senior at Warren Harding High School, where she served as a member of the Student Council. Andrea’s Student Leaders experience built upon the leadership skills she formed as a member of the Student Council.

As part of the program, the Student Leaders participated in a week-long, all expenses paid, national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. focused on the power of cross-sector collaboration and community advocacy. The first in-person Summit since 2019, Student Leaders from across the nation discussed the importance of civic engagement and met with members of Congress.

Started in 2004, the Student Leaders program annually recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S.