Four local teens announced as 2023 Bank of America Student Leaders

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. – Four local teens from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties have been selected for Bank of America's Student Leaders eight-week paid summer internship program.

The 2023 Bank of America Student Leaders are:

Carlos Gonzales of Santa Maria is a recent graduate of Ernest Righetti High School where he was an AP student, head of several student organizations, and a community volunteer. Gonzales was inspired by his mother who immigrated from Mexico and is an advocate for marginalized communities and a mentor for young people. Gonzales volunteered hundreds of hours with local charities such as Youth Making Change, a group that provides grants to local youth-led organizations and Latinos Unidos, a group that educates students of all backgrounds about Latino culture. Gonzales will be attending UC Berkeley in the Fall.

Elijah Marsalek of Arroyo Grande is a recent graduate of Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School where he was Senior Class Vice President, Co-Captain of the cross-country team, honor roll and AP student and a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation program. Marsalek was inspired by his grandmother, a registered ER nurse and RN. He will attend Boston College in the Fall where he intends to study humanitarian and international law to help underserved communities and pursue a career in the non-profit sector.

Micah Shin of Newbury Park is a senior at Newbury Park High School where she is an athlete and leader in numerous community service projects. Shin is a first-generation American in a Korean household and her parents encouraged their daughter to do everything boys can do. This inspired Shin to become a Youth Delegate for the Annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, intern at the UN Women Los Angeles Chapter, as a researcher at Women's Microfinance Initiative, and board member of 'Invest in Her', a student-led non-profit dedicated to closing the gender gap in economic and leadership positions.

Aliza Weintraub of San Luis Obispo is a senior at San Luis Obispo High School where she is an AP student, member of the National Honors Society, and a volunteer at Rotary Club, SLO Food Bank, Jack's Helping Hand (a group that provides medical and social support for children with special needs or cancer), and Transitions Mental Health. Weintraub details that her altruistic outlook and dedication to volunteerism comes from her grandmother, an immigrant from Bangladesh as well as her parents, both of whom are active volunteers in the community.

“These impressive students already excel inside and outside the classroom. By providing them with pathways to gain work skills and leadership experience, they will be prepared for today’s evolving workforce,” said Greg Bland, President of Bank of America San Luis Obispo.

The eight-week paid summer internship program connects local students with opportunities for first-hand experience in serving their communities.

“With changing economic environments and a shifting job market in the region, young people need access to workforce experience and career skills-building opportunities,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, President of Bank of America Ventura and Santa Barbara. “The private sector has a role to play to help better position and support young adults to be successful in today’s workforce.”