Bonner Leader Program

The Bonner Leader Program is a fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students that have financial need (qualify for Federal Work-Study), exhibit a capacity for leadership development, and show an interest in community service. A Bonner Leader will receive leadership development throughout the year while completing significant service-learning (280+ hours/year) within their local community. A Bonner Leader will receive a financial support package that includes a work-study position and a scholarship for community work and weekly training. 

Bonner Benefits:

• Membership in a nationally recognized program through the Bonner Foundation.
• Engagement with a community of peers who are passionate about service.
• Gain an understanding of community and community partner needs.
• Student Employment Wages: approximately $4,200 per academic year.
• Athens State Bonner Scholarship: $2,000 (full-time) or $1,500 (part-time) per academic year. Distributed over two semesters.
• Training on leadership development and social justice topics

As a Bonner, you would be required to:

• Qualify for Federal Work-Study. You can learn if you qualify by contacting the Financial Aid office by phone at (256) 233-8122 or by emailing [email protected]
• Serve ~ 10 hours of paid community service each week (280/year)
• Preferred to attend Athens State University for a minimum of two years, including two fall and two spring semesters
• Participate in the Bonner Leader Orientation
• Participate in weekly Zoom meetings and activities throughout the semester
• Maintain an Institutional GPA of 2.75 or higher for undergraduate and 3.0 or higher for graduate students
• Represent the university with integrity and distinction

Are you a Bonner?

Applications are accepted yearlong with new Bonners onboarded in July/August for Fall service and December/January for Spring service. Mini-information sessions are available prior to completing the application and are recommended. Interviews are scheduled in July and December after candidates submit the application, resume, and current FAFSA eligibility requirements are confirmed.