Bonner Leader Program

Bonner LogoWhat is the Bonner Leader Program?

The Bonner Leader Program is a nationally recognized program that seeks to transform the lives of students, their campuses, their local communities and the world through service and leadership.

At Johnson State College, Bonner Leaders are outstanding students who commit themselves to leadership through service and making positive change across campus and in the community. This two-to-four-year program pairs real-life work experiences in area nonprofit organizations with powerful leadership development training and education.

The Bonner Program connects students to a national network of students in Bonner Leader and Bonner Scholar Programs at over 70 colleges and universities throughout the United States. Students work in local organizations for eight hours each week (supported by AmeriCorps Education Awards, and, if eligible, Federal Work-Study), while receiving leadership education in topics such as: Civic Engagement & Policy, Marketing & Public Relations, Event Planning and Leadership.

  • Bonner Leader Benefits

  • An AmeriCorps Educational Award to defray the future costs of college or pay off existing school loans. (Equivalent to scholarships between $1,000 and $2,362.50)
  • Training and support to enhance leadership skills and the understanding of social issues
  • Optional academic credit
  • Networking with others committed to public service and social change (students, faculty, staff, and community partners)
  • Membership in the nationally recognized Bonner Leader Program

Bonner Leaders during AmeriCorps Swearing InWhat are the expectations for Bonner Leaders?

  • The Bonner Leader Program is unique and expects members to transition from volunteers to leaders in the community during their two to four years of service.
  • As this transition occurs, members are regularly asked to reflect on the service they are doing and to explore the issues that necessitate the need for this service.
  • Students are also expected to maintain a grade point average of 2.8 throughout their tenure as a Bonner Leader.
  • Additionally, the Bonner Leaders are a group and as such are expected to support each other, attend monthly group meetings, and engage in service together.
  • Most importantly, Bonner Leaders are expected to have fun in the program and to truly enjoy what they are doing as they work for meaningful, sustainable change in the community.

 

Eligibility

All full-time first and second year JSC undergraduate students are eligible for participation in the Bonner Leader Program.

As the Bonner Leader Program is an AmeriCorps program funded through the federal government, participants must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents. AmeriCorps participation is highly encouraged, but optional.

We request that students participating in the Bonner Leader Program who are Federal Work-Study eligible use their work-study funds in the Bonner Program. If you are not work-study eligible, you can still participate in the Bonner Leader Program.

We ask that participants take their commitment to the Bonner Program and their placement seriously, and do not participate in study abroad or exchange programs until they have completed their term of service. Please note, some service placements require criminal background checks.

If you have additional questions about eligibility, please contact the Bonner Program Staff.

Ready to Apply?

The application process for the Bonner Leader Program includes a written application and an interview. Contact the Center for Service Learning to learn about upcoming application deadlines.