Bonner Program
Since 2005, the Bonner Program has empowered students like you to lead community transformation and advocate for social justice at Stetson University. By participating in the Bonner Program, you not only grow personally but also contribute positively to both the campus and the community you serve.
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 20, though 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].
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Why Bonner 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.
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.
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“Bonner gave me the platform to hone my leadership and community building skills that have enabled me to find roles and opportunities like leading as the Co-chair of this year’s Take Action Institute conference and various community building tasks in my work at Delta Airlines.“
Stebrina Kisingiri '22, Economics
"Bonner helped me develop the motivation and dedication I need to thrive in an ever-changing field like higher education. As well, it helped me fine-tune the compassion and commitment to justice that is critical for working with students, staff, and faculty from all backgrounds."
Lisa Jordan '23, English
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
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.
To help Bonner students complete this work, need-based financial aid packages are available:
- Students with high need (e.g., those who have less than a $10,000 expected family contribution on the Student Aid Index (SAI) per the FAFSA or the CSS PROFILE) will have 100 percent of their demonstrated financial need (DFN = cost of attendance minus your SAI) covered through grants, scholarships and/or loans. Applicants seeking this scholarship category 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, in order to be considered. The ISFAA application cannot replace the CSS profile. Stetson does not provide CSS profile waivers
- Students with low need (e.g., those who have $10,000 or more on SAI) receive a fixed scholarship of $500 per semester.
- Current Stetson students who apply to join Bonner are only eligible to receive the fixed $500 scholarship per semester.
- To further incentivize participation in the Bonner Program, all Bonner students are able to be paid for their non-profit internship and professional development hours (approximately 10 hours per week) through student employment.
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