Program Overview
Changing the World and Ourselves Through Service
Established in the fall of 1990, the Guilford College Bonner Scholars Program provides monetary support to students who have demonstrated both financial need and commitment to community service. Funded by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation of Princeton, NJ, the program supports students at 27 institutions. Bonner Scholars complete 140 hours of community service each semester in exchange for continued financial assistance.
The following goals have been set forth by the Bonner Foundation:
- To identify worthy and qualified students who are in need of financial assistance;
- To enable students to serve others;
- To provide students with academic support and enrichment activities;
- To encourage students to complete their undergraduate education and earn their degree.
More than simply a form of financial aid, Guilford's Bonner Scholars Program provides deserving students the opportunity to continue their community service interests throughout their college years. In addition, Bonner Scholars enjoy a unique opportunity to form friendships with other students who share their commitment to service, both on the college campus and in the wider Bonner Foundation network. In this way, students are encouraged to extend their learning beyond the classroom through participation in and service to the wider community.
Guilford College has a long tradition of concern for the wider community. Since the arrival of the Bonner Scholars Program on our campus fifteen years ago, we have been challenged to develop a program to support 60 Bonner Scholars who perform over 12,000 hours of community service each semester. Our 60 Bonners form a committed corps with an estimated 300 additional students joining them in the wider community each semester with a weekly service commitment.
Each year fifteen students are selected to become Bonner Scholars based on their high financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their demonstrated commitment to serve during their high school careers. Applicants wishing to estimate their financial eligibility before filing a FAFSA may go to www.collegeboard.com and use the financial aid calculator there. If the calculated EFC is less than $7500, then the student may meet the financial criteria for the Bonner Program. Accepted students receive scholarship funds and extensive training in return for their commitment to the 4-year program. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible; admissions decisions to the program are made on a rolling basis.
Guilford Bonner Scholars and staff pose for a photo with Mrs. Corella Bonner.