Choate Hall Student Learning To Lead This Summer

By Bank of America

HARTFORD, CT — Four students from Hartford are learning a thing or two this summer about being a leader, courtesy of Bank of America, the bank announced this week.

Bank of America said four Hartford-area high school juniors and seniors are participating in the Bank of America Student Leaders program.

The eight-week paid summer program focuses on workforce development skills, leadership training, and civic engagement through internships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.

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

The Hartford-based Student Leaders are participating in programming that includes a collaborative, mentor-focused project with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.

This year they are serving as counselors for the Summer Fun Club at three Hartford Boys & Girls Clubs locations.

The Class of 2022 Hartford Bank of America Student Leaders are:

• Sydney Alleyne, Hartford resident and rising senior at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford.

• Sayada Arouna, Hartford resident and rising senior at Farmington High School in Farmington.

• Chamere Francis, Hartford resident and rising senior at Weaver High School in Hartford.

• Karina Ortiz, Hartford resident and graduating senior at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy in Hartford.

These four students were selected for their leadership, background, passion, and commitment to their community, according to Bank of America.

Alleyne and her peers created Equity in Education, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides tutoring and mentorship to local students.

Arouna joined Grow Hartford Youth Program to help ensure students have nutritious meal options at school.

Francis developed a passion for expanding youth employment and workforce development opportunities through her volunteer work at the Urban League of Greater Hartford.

Ortiz’ inspiration to fight inequities in her community and beyond was motivated by her parents' childhood experiences in the Dominican Republic, where they faced extreme poverty and lacked important resources.

“Our goal at the Boys & Girls Clubs is to create an environment where Hartford’s youth can learn, grow and excel,” said Sam Gray, president and chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford.

“Developing these learning experiences is a team effort, and what an excellent opportunity to have the Bank of America Student Leaders working with our team and as role models for our club members.”

In addition to working as counselors at the BGCH Summer Fun Clubs, they receive a Chromebook and participate in a virtual Leadership summit that is delivered in partnership with the Close Up Foundation.

The Summit includes opportunities to engage with congressional leaders, hear from leaders in civil and human rights, and participate in the Stanford University Young Democracy at Home program that encourages conversation about current issues facing young people today.

“Bank of America is grateful for our continued partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and their dedication to the Student Leaders program for the 19th year in a row,” said Joe Gianni, president, Bank of America Greater Hartford.