Two students at Deering High School were selected this summer as Bank of America 2024 Maine Student leaders, winning paid summer internships connecting them to leadership training and work experience. Isabella Figdor and Jael Mowa, both rising seniors at Deering this fall, not only gained practical work and leadership experience while working with local nonprofits, but also have received financial education coaching from Bank of America’s Better Money Habits curriculum, all while earning competitive wages.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, the Student Leaders program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. Since 2004, Student Leaders has engaged more than 4,500 students and invested $42 million in more than 500 local nonprofits as a critical part of the bank’s long-standing effort to build pathways to economic mobility across nearly 100 markets.

“Preparing a diverse pipeline of community-minded young students to be successful in the workforce is critical to Maine’s long-term economic growth,” said Brian King, president, Bank of America Maine. “The exceptional teens selected for the Student Leaders program will not only gain practical work and life experience, but the community in return gains better resourced local nonprofits and a pipeline of talent.”

Here’s more on the two Bank of America 2024 Maine Student leaders from Deering:

Jael Mowa is interning at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine. She serves as the state policy director for the American Youth Association, is a board member of Youth-Led Justice, and a statewide conference facilitator for the Maine Youth Action Network. At Deering High School, Jael is actively involved in Model UN, is the co-vice president of the National Honor Society, a cabinet member of the Black Student Union, co-leader of the Seeds of Peace Club, and a varsity indoor/outdoor track athlete. She has also recently earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Lingala and works as a youth interpreter. Jael is passionate about advocating for civil rights and social action.

Isabella Figdor of Deering High School is interning at United Way of Southern Maine.  At Deering High School, Isabella is the co-captain of the debate team, founder and co-president of Youth in Government, secretary of the Interact Club, and is involved in National Honor Society, Student Government, Jewish Student Alliance, Model UN, varsity lacrosse, and varsity swimming. She is dedicated to promoting youth engagement in government and civic activities.

The students recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week-long, all expenses paid, national leadership summit and learned how nonprofits, governments and businesses collaborate to meet local needs.