Caleb Bennett-Harper of Cherry Hill East is one of five students to receive the Student Leader Bank of America eight-week paid summer internship that provides students with first-hand experience in serving their communities.
As part of the program, the students will develop leadership and practical workforce skills while working with the nonprofit Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) and earning $17 per hour.
Bennett-Harper is co-president of the Black Men’s Student Union at East and he has helped mentor young black students by encouraging involvement in school clubs and student government.
Later this summer, winning students will travel to Washington, D.C., for a week-long, all-expenses-paid, national leadership summit focused on the power of cross-sector collaboration and community advocacy. At the first in-person summit since 2019, students will also discuss the importance of civic engagement and meet with members of the U.S. Congress.
Started in 2004, the Student Leaders program annually recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the country.
The Greater Philadelphia-based Student Leaders are participating in programming that includes a collaborative, mentor-focused project with Philadelphia Youth Newwork’s development, partnerships for employment, education and workforce policy & strategy and program operations teams.