Brandon teen 1 of 5 in national leadership program

BRANDON (FOX 13) - While some teens spend their summer relaxing, others are hard at work shaping their future. A select few are headed back to school with what they've learned at a special program with the Boys and Girls Club in Brandon.

Liz Kirby is one of five incoming high school seniors selected for a paid summer job at the Boys and Girls Club. Hundreds of students applied for the the Bank of America Student Leadership program, which pays for the salaries for the two-month internship.

At 18, Kirby is rolling her way to a successful life.

"In college, I plan to study engineering," Liz said.

Until then, she's helping to shape the minds of young kids who attend the club's summer programs.

"I hope to continue to do things like that," Kirby said. "Mentor little kids to give back from all that my mentors have given to me throughout my life." 

"The mission of the program is really to connect these already community-minded high schoolers with employment, skills development, service, leadership opportunities." Melissa Fields Works for the Bank of America said. 

Liz and the other students chosen for the program - who are from around the country - spend a week in Washington D.C. learning how to become leaders and work at non-profits.

"Being part of this program has been probably one of the best experiences of my life," Liz said.

She was selected because she started a  S.T.E.M. program at her high school to help students improve their technology skills.

"When I stand in front of all them, I still get goose bumps. It makes me so happy that we're able to draw all of these kids together and make this environment where all of these kids can fit in and feel encouraged and inspired," Liz explained.

Liz received a full scholarship to the University of Florida. She will be studying to become an engineer.