Saint Ignatius High School Student Senate President, Jad Alsouss, was recently selected for the prestigious Bank of America Student Leaders program. Alongside three other students from Cleveland-area schools, Jad is currently participating in an 8-week internship program focused on developing employability skills and engaging in service to the Cleveland community.
This summer, the four student leaders from the Cleveland area are spending their time gaining practical work experience while earning competitive wages working with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Students also receive financial education coaching from Bank of America’s Better Money Habits curriculum.
"Being a Bank of America Student Leader has been an extremely enriching experience. This opportunity has significantly enhanced my skills in business-oriented problem-solving, community service, interpersonal communication, and collaborative leadership” Jad said, “I'm thrilled to return to Saint Ignatius as a senior this fall to share the valuable lessons I've gained from this amazing summer experience."
Jad helps lead the Middle Eastern Solidarity Project at Saint Ignatius, an initiative that supports students in struggling Middle Eastern countries through bi-weekly meetings. He is also a Spanish peer tutor in addition to his responsibilities as Student Senate President.
"Jad represents the very best of Saint Ignatius High School and embodies what it means to be a servant leader,” wrote Dr. Anthony Fior '02, Principal of Saint Ignatius High School, “His service to his peers and to the overall community are unparalleled. He has a remarkable future ahead."
The Bank of America Student Leaders program is in its 20th year of recognizing community-focused juniors and seniors across the country for their leadership skills and service to their communities. The Student Leaders program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. Since its inception in 2004, the program has engaged more than 4,500 students and invested $42 million in over 500 nonprofits around the United States.
As part of the program, Jad and his fellow Student Leaders will travel to Washington, DC, later this summer to attend a national leadership summit. There, they will explore how nonprofits and governments can work together to meet community needs.