The Union College Bonner Scholars Program exists to provide high quality services to its community through developing well-trained, committed volunteer leaders. In higher education, it is a model for developing extraordinary leaders through community-based learning experiences. In the Appalachian region, it is a resource for others with an interest in student-led community activism. In the local communitiy, it is a supportive partner in the mission to alleviate adversity and to enhance and promote economic development through education and service.

The Bonner Scholars Program is based on the premise that young people care about others and, given the opportunity, will become active and involved in the local community. It is also based on the understanding that college students have a unique and important contribution to make to society.

In conjunction with the Corella and Bertram F.Bonner Foundation of Princeton, New Jersey, Union College has established the Bonner Scholars Program to provide students who have demonstrated outstanding community service with the financial support to go to college and continue to be involved with the community through service.

A limited number of Bonner Scholars are selected each year based upon their scholarship, service activities, and financial need. Applicants must be admitted to Union College as a full-time student.

[ Bonner Scholar Benefits | Expectations of a Bonner Scholar | Qualifications of a Bonner Scholar ]

Bonner Scholar Benefits

Through the Bonner Scholars Program, Union College seeks to meet 100% of a student's documented financial need (as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) through a combination of sources including Pell grants, state grants, student loans, institutional grants and scholarships, and Bonner Scholarship funds.

Students receiving financial aid are often required to work during both the school year and the summer. Most students use their earnings to contribute toward their education. In the Bonner Scholars Program, scholarship funds are used to assist students in meeting their financial responsibilities related to their college education. These funds afford students the opportunity to get involved in community service activities instead of working a part-time job. While the dollar amount of financial support may vary for each student, based on need, all students are supported so that they can maintain their service commitment.

Benfits specific to each Bonner Scholar include:

• Based on service requirements, Bonner Scholars will receive a school year stipend of $2,100 in the form of monthly checks.
  
• $1,500 summer stipend for sophomore and junior years contingent upon completing the Bonner Summer Service Program guidelines
  
• Up to $1,600 loan reduction check, to be issued after graduation to help reduce indebtedness incurred through student loans while attending Union College
  
• Leadership training related to community service
  
• Opportunity to attend regional conferences and service events

Expectations of a Bonner Scholar

The Bonner Scholars Program allows students to be actively involved in community service activities throughout the school year and during the summer. Students are selected from the incoming freshman class and are expected to stay involved and support the program throughout all four years of college.

The expectations of Bonner Scholars include:

• Maintain good academic standing
• Participation in a minimum of ten hours of service activities per week during the school year, including work in a community placement, totaling 280 hours for the year
  
• Participation in community-based internships during the summer for a minimum length of seven weeks for a total of 280 hours
  
• Participate in a summer service trip as a first-year Bonner
  
• Participate in a cluster event as a first-year Bonner
  
• Participation in enrichment activities planned by the program staff, including meetings and trips
• Taking active leadership in the program through a leadership position and helping to organize events

Bonner Scholars Qualifications

The Bonner Scholars Program provides financial and programmatic assistance to students who have demonstrated:

• Financial need as determined by the FAFSA
  
• Solid academic performance in high school (top 40% of high school class and acceptance to Union College)
  
• Responsibility and good citizenship at home, school, church and/or in the community