Bonner Leaders are students who are committed to community service, desire to develop leadership skills, and are interested in issues of social justice.
Students in the Bonner Program commit to four years of regular service with Lynchburg nonprofits that address community needs such as food and housing insecurity, poverty, college access, environmental sustainability, and others. In addition to weekly trainings and leadership development, students also receive financial assistance through work study funds.
Advocacy in Action
The Bonner Program develops students who are civically engaged. They take action on a variety of issues and work for change within the community. Whether attending a city council meeting, working in an urban garden, or tutoring in after school programs, Bonners are actively involved in making a positive difference.
Program components include:
- Orientation to the program before the school year begins
- 300 hours of community service per academic year with an average of 8-10 hours per week
- Participation in weekly training and reflection activities
- Team-building activities to build a cohesive, supportive group of Bonner Leaders
- Leadership development through student-designed and coordinated projects
- Networking events such as regional and national conferences
- Opportunities to participate in service-learning projects with faculty and community partners
- Promoting an understanding of the six common commitments
The 6 Common Commitments:
- Social justice
- Civic engagement
- Spiritual exploration
- Diversity
- International perspective
- Community building
Want to be a Bonner Leader?
Incoming first year students who have been accepted to the University of Lynchburgthe may apply by early April each year.
Applications are now open for the 2019 academic year.
