Bonner Leader Program

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.

What It Means To Be A Bonner

Diversity

Respect the dimensions of personal and group identities (such as class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, physical and mental ability) and create opportunities to discuss and learn from each other.

A female student holding out her hand that's covered in soil

Social Justice

Understand and support fairness, impartiality, and equity when addressing systemic social and environmental issues.

Sammie Chapman poses for a photo in Lynchburg Grows

Spiritual Exploration

Consider different ways of understanding the meaning and purpose of life. Explore how our search for a calling can help us discover our purpose.

Female students work in a community garden

Community Building

Create and sustain a vibrant community of place, personal relationships, and shared interests.

Kyle Thaller stands in a crowd wearing a back pack.

International Perspective

Develop an understanding of other cultures and countries so you can successfully participate in a global world.

A group of students and two mentors stand on the steps of the Atlanta State Capitol.

Civic Engagement

Explore and participate in multiple forms of engagement, including service, political engagement, social action, and public policy.

Wellness

Believing all people deserve to have lives of wellness and wholeness, we practice mindfulness for self-care.

Apply Today!

Mid-year applications open in the spring.

Full-year applications open in October, reviewed from March to May, with final decisions ideally by April 1.

Contact: [email protected] or 434.544.8470

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Program Highlights

An annual stipend of $3,000, distributed bi-weekly, and an annual $1,000 scholarship.

Upon completing the four-year program, seniors receive an additional $1,000 scholarship.

Specific Bonner summer orientation before the school year begins.

300 hours of community service and training per academic year, with an average of eight-10 hours per week.

Team-building activities to help build a cohesive, supportive group of Bonner Leaders.

Leadership development through projects designed and coordinated by students.

Networking, professional events, and travel to regional or national conferences.

Support from a dedicated professional staff and student leadership team.

FAQs

Undeniably Life-Changing Stories

Natalee Coates '26 with president and others at Virginia Fire Rescue Conference 2024

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