This week, Goodwill Southeast Georgia and Bank of America are celebrating the success of the 2023 class of Student Leaders®. Tyron Ford-Everett, a rising senior at Savannah Arts Academy, and James Thompson, an upcoming freshman at Augusta University, have spent nearly eight weeks developing leadership and practical workforce skills while working a paid internship with Goodwill Southeast Georgia. The Student Leaders® program is part of Bank of America’s support of summer youth employment, which also connected 60-70 teens and young adults to paid jobs across Savannah with YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

Just in time for National Intern Day on July 27, Ford-Everett and Thompson had a chance to present a preview of their final summer projects to their Goodwill leaders and mentors. Ford-Everett, who has an interest in theatre & performing arts, video editing, and documentary-making, worked to produce and film a video titled “The Goodwill Lifestyle.” It features conversations with key leaders who explain the values of the organization and how it operates as a social enterprise. Working with mentors in the Goodwill Southeast Georgia Marketing department, he learned and practiced videography, lighting, interview and editing skills.  

“Tyron showed great initiative and a willingness to learn during his time here,” says Ashlyn Flowers, PR and Community Engagement Specialist. "He quickly picked up new techniques that allowed his natural talents to shine in a whole new way.”

“I loved getting a chance to explore my interest in documentary filmmaking throughout this experience,” says Ford-Everett. “The opportunity to pitch and work on a project of my own design made this internship a great experience.”

Thompson wanted to learn more about Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee and other diversity initiatives. Through a pitch process with the marketing team, he developed interview questions, conducted interviews with leaders across the organization and created a magazine-style booklet. It details the impact and progress of Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s commitment to diversity expressed in its Equity Statement.

“Getting to see my project in print was so exciting,” says Thompson. “It definitely got me out of my comfort zone and gave me a chance to try something new.”

“Here at Goodwill Southeast Georgia, we’re all about encouraging others to grow,” says David Cipleu, Digital Communications and Events Specialist. “It was great to watch that happen with these Student Leaders.”

Earlier this month, Ford-Everett and Thompson traveled to Washington D.C. for a week-long, all expenses paid, national leadership summit for Student Leaders®. They discussed the importance of civic engagement and met with members of Congress.

Started in 2004, the Student Leaders® program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. 

“Bank of America’s investment in youth and young adults builds workforce skills, networks and experience that help prepare them for long-term success, and ultimately strengthen Savannah and our surrounding communities,” said Patrick O’Neil, president, Bank of America Savannah.