Become a leader in service and social change.
Lynchburg is one of 70 Bonner network schools, fostering strong character and leadership. The Bonner Leader Program, a partnership with the Bonner Foundation, places students in work-study roles at nonprofits, schools, or agencies for 10 hours a week. Through reflective exercises and educational programming, participants gain professional skills, deepen critical thinking, and develop a strong understanding of difference, power, and privilege.
Being a Bonner and an athlete or nursing major is possible. We have had many nursing students and some athletes succeed in the program. We strive to accommodate their needs about their academics first and their commitment to athletics or nursing, all while being a Bonner.
To become a Bonner Leader, you must complete the Bonner Leader application. Applications for Bonner are reviewed on a rolling basis and selections and acceptances will begin to be communicated on May 1, 2024.
If you do not qualify for federal work-study, the University of Lynchburg has additional sources of funding to support campus work-study.
If accepted into the Bonner Leader Program, you should register and attend the June 13-14, 2024 New Student Orientation session. Accepted Bonner Leaders will remain on campus June 14-16, 2024, for a First-year Bonner Orientation. A family/parent program will be offered in tandem.
Our weekly Bonner meetings help us connect and support each other. In these meetings, we develop leadership skills and learn more about the program. We also get to know our community better. Participation in these meetings will allow you to develop new skills using the developmental model.
Contact the financial aid office to find out if you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
The developmental model aims to move Bonners from direct service to a capacity-building or a social action capstone project during their four years at the University of Lynchburg.
The Bonner Leader Program is a four-year commitment. Bonner Leaders complete 240 hours of service and 60 hours of Training and Enrichment (T&E) per year. This equates to roughly 8-10 hours each week.
Bonner Leaders focus on the following issues within our community:
Bonner Leaders have been transformed by the personal and professional growth that comes from doing service.
Participants in the Bonner Program become part of a community that supports each other on campus and off.
The National Bonner Foundation is a group for all Bonner Leaders alumni nationwide. Bonners quickly find their community extends beyond the University of Lynchburg. They look for summer internships and professional positions after graduation and find Bonner alumni there to help.
Bonner Leaders are committed to learning about social justice issues and becoming change agents in their communities. If you are passionate about making a difference in your community, then Bonner is for you.
