This summer, two Holland students, Alejandro Fleites Marcelo and Karinna Martinez, stepped out of the classroom and into the heart of their community, taking part in a prestigious national internship program that would shape their perspectives on leadership and community service.
Fleites Marcelo and Martinez were the only students from the Grand Rapids area selected for the 2024 Bank of America Student Leaders Program, an eight-week summer internship. The program connects high school students nationwide to employment opportunities, skills development, and service projects.
Their summer was spent working closely with the Holland-based nonprofit Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), an organization recognized as a 2023 Neighborhood Champion by Bank of America Grand Rapids. LAUP's mission is to empower Latinos to create a better community through advocacy, celebration, and education, and this mission resonated deeply with the students.
![]()
Courtesy LAUP 2024 Bank of America Student Leaders Program intern Karinna Martinez poses with Julian Lugo, Latin Americans United for Progress director of youth programs and advancement.
Had roles in Fiesta Week
One of the highlights of their internship was their involvement in LAUP Fiesta Week, where they participated in activities that included a panel discussion following the screening of "First Voice Generation," a film by Cynthia Martinez. The documentary follows the journeys of three Latinx high school students in Holland as they navigate the challenges of identity and heritage during the global pandemic.
Martinez, who is not related to the filmmaker, shared her experiences about the challenges of being the first in her family to attend college.
“I am part of the Future Educators program at Holland High, and through a dual enrollment with Hope College, I’m set for my freshman year of college, which is already paid for,” says Martinez, who plans on teaching special education while doing nonprofit work on the side.
Martinez also led the talent show during Fiesta Week, an event that showcased the talents of other students in the program.
“It was fun to see them all go up there and perform, even though many were really anxious about it. They all won money, so it was exciting for them,” she says.
Fleites Marcelo also found the experience enriching.
“The internship was incredible,” he says. “Getting to know everyone, the environment, and everything we learned were great opportunities. It was fantastic overall.”
Their work with LAUP wasn't just limited to Fiesta Week. The students were part of the nonprofit's daily operations, bringing fresh perspectives on the lives of young Latinos in the community. Johnny Rodriguez, CEO of LAUP, praised their contributions.
“Alejandro and Karinna significantly expanded our capacity as a nonprofit, providing invaluable support to our mission,” Rodriguez says. “Their unique perspectives on the lives of young Latinos in our community contributed to the transformative work and programs we develop and deliver daily.”
D.C. leadership conference
In addition to their work with LAUP, the internship took Fleites Marcelo and Martinez to Washington, where they participated in a week-long national leadership summit. There, they learned how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to address local needs and drive social change.
“The week in D.C. was amazing,” Fleites Marcelo says. “We talked about businesses, individuals, nonprofits, and government, and how they can all intersect to make social change. That was cool because I wanted to learn more about government and businesses and see how those things can help create social change.”
This fall, Fleites Marcelo, a Holland High graduate, will begin his studies at Grand Rapids Community College, where he plans to major in business.
“I’m considering either business administration or international business,” he says.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program, now in its 20th year, provides young people like Fleites Marcelo and Martinez with the skills and experiences needed to become future leaders. Through their work with LAUP and their participation in the national leadership summit, these two Holland students have made an impact on their community while gaining valuable insights into the world of nonprofits and leadership.
“I’ve been a part of LAUP for three years as a student and volunteer, so it was cool to be part of the behind-the-scenes work,” says Martinez. “My family has used LAUP’s services and attended events, so it felt very full circle for me.
“I knew nonprofit work was a lot, but I didn’t realize just how much, and it made me consider working in a nonprofit more seriously, even though I’m planning to go into teaching.”