Heidi Yagan, a recent graduate of Raisbeck Aviation High School in Auburn, was one of five area students selected as a 2019 Bank of America (BofA) Student Leader this summer.

Yagan just returned from BofA’s annual Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where she was able to connect with program members from throughout the country and meet with members of Congress. The summit was an opportunity for the students to build critical skills, network with like-minded peers and collaborate on fostering a more civically involved society.

Nearly 300 students were selected nationwide.

The signature philanthropic program offers young people an opportunity to build their workforce and leadership skills through a paid summer internship at a local nonprofit and the ability to help improve their communities.

Yagan recently discovered her passion for social justice. The summit teamed her up with Mercy Housing, where she will be learning about affordable housing, zoning issues and social issues.

The other area students chosen were: Emma Grossman, a Seattle resident and senior at Seattle Preparatory School is interning at the Seattle Goodwill; Lucas Sherman, a Seattle resident and senior at Seattle Academy, is interning at Treehouse; Luis Castro, a Seattle resident and senior at Chief Sealth International, is interning at Technology Access Foundation; and Rahul Jain, a Bellevue resident and senior at Bellevue High School, is interning at Imagine Housing.

Bank of America’s Student Leader program connects community-minded young scholars with greater opportunities to serve their communities.

Now in its 15th year, the bank has recognized more than 75 local Student Leaders, helping them chart a path for success. Nearly 3,500 young people from across the country have gained skills and workforce experience through the program since 2004.

Bank of America Student Leaders participates at a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. COURTESY PHOTO