Bonner Program
The Bonner Program is a four-year community engagement and scholarship program in which you intern with a nonprofit community partner, aligning your service with your academic and career goals. Bonner Scholars may have up to 100% of demonstrated financial need covered through grants, scholarships, and loans. The program is one of fewer than 100 Bonner Programs nationally.
Why Program at Stetson University?
Joining the Bonner Program means developing the knowledge, skills, and values to actively participate in community well-being and social change efforts. Through a blend of curricular, co-curricular, and integrative experiences, Bonner participants like you cultivate leadership and professional skills. These include the ability to engage in dialogue across differences, collaborate effectively in teams, and manage large-scale projects.
To apply for this program, you must first apply to Stetson University, after which you will be able to access the Bonner Application through your Hatter Portal. Applications and supplemental materials can be submitted by the Priority deadline of December 1, though they will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis after that if there are still program vacancies. If you have any questions about the application, you can email [email protected].
Related Programs:
“Bonner gave me the platform to hone my leadership and community-building skills.”
— Stebrina Kisingiri '22, Economics
Career Outcomes
Joining the Bonner Scholars Program means committing to eight or more hours of community service per week through an internship with a local non-profit partner. Additionally, you'll engage in two hours of personal, professional, and leadership training weekly with fellow program participants. Each year, approximately 20 nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies welcome Bonner students. These partners play a crucial role as educators and mentors throughout your journey in the program. Current partners and projects include:
- Providing social services and supporting case management of low-income families at the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia
- Tutoring and mentoring youth at the Chisholm Community Center and Spring Hill Boys and Girls Club
- Clearing walking trails and facilitating educational programs for youth about local habitats at Lyonia Environmental Center
- Creating financial literacy programs and coordinating the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at the United Way of Volusia/Flagler Counties
Meet the Faculty
Throughout your academic journey, you'll benefit from additional academic advising and one-on-one support from staff in the Center for Community Engagement throughout their academic careers. If you are interested in learning more you can check out the Stetson Bonner Program on our Instagram page and YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply to Stetson University first, then access the Bonner Application through your Hatter Portal. Priority deadline is December 1.
To help Bonner students complete this work, financial aid packages are available*:
- Bonner Scholars may have 100 percent of their demonstrated financial need (DFN = cost of attendance minus your SAI) covered through grants, scholarships and/or loans if selected.
- Selection as a Bonner Scholar is highly competitive and involves a review process that includes application materials, interviews, and overall alignment with the program’s mission. While financial need is an important factor, it does not guarantee selection for this distinction.
- Bonner Leaders may receive a fixed scholarship of $500 per semester if selected.
- Current Stetson students who apply to join Bonner are only eligible to receive the fixed $500 scholarship per semester.
- Applicants seeking these scholarship categories MUST have their FAFSA completed and sent to Stetson University's Admissions Office by the application deadline. All international students MUST submit a CSS profile before the deadline date, to be considered. The ISFAA application cannot replace the CSS profile. Stetson does not provide CSS profile waivers.
- To further incentivize participation in the Bonner Program, all Bonner students can be paid for their non-profit internship and professional development hours (approximately 10 hours per week) through student employment.
Selection for the Bonner Program is a highly competitive and selective process. Eligibility and consideration are contingent upon multiple factors, including but not limited to successful application and admission to Stetson University, timely submission and thorough review of the Bonner application, completion of the interview process, and demonstrated financial need status where applicable.
All application materials are evaluated holistically. Final decisions regarding acceptance into the Bonner Program are made by a selection committee after careful review of all required components. Submission of an application and meeting eligibility criteria do not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Bonner students:
- intern with a non-profit community partner for eight to ten hours per week for four years.
- align their internship with their academic and career goals so that they graduate with the skills, knowledge and experience needed for graduate school or a career in their area of interest.
- maintain at least a 2.5 GPA each semester.
Cornerstone Projects
Each year, Bonner students complete a cornerstone with other members of their class that is tailored to their developmental level. These include
- Certificate of Community Engagement Minor
- Summer of Service Internships
- First Year Trip - a three-day local service project
- Sophomore Exchange - a four-day service project carried out with Bonners from other colleges and universities
- Junior Capstone - an intensive research or program development project that aligns with the student's major and career interests.
- Senior Presentation of Learning – an oral reflection presentation on students' careers in the program.
8 to 10 hours per week of nonprofit internship work, plus 2 hours per week of professional and leadership training.
Yes. You align your internship with your academic and career goals throughout all four years.
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