Bonner Leaders Program

Bonner Leaders Overview

A four-year, community service opportunity that provides scholarships to students who are passionate about volunteering with a local nonprofit organization. Students participate in training and enrichment related to community engagement throughout their time at Rollins. Through community-based learning and service, they are empowered to address some of the greatest challenges of our time.

Each year, a cohort of 10 - 14 freshman CLA students are selected to be Bonner leaders. Bonners are a diverse group who are passionate about working with the community and dedicated to addressing some of the greatest challenges of our time through community-based learning and service. They gain extensive experience working with and contributing to nonprofit organizations, while serving as ambassadors on campus to get other students involved in the community.

Students are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a written application and an interview round. Interested students who are eligible for federal work-study are encouraged to apply. As a prerequisite of this service scholarship, Bonner Leaders are expected to demonstrate their commitment to serving others. These activities could include service with local nonprofit organizations, involvement or leadership with school clubs, mission trips, family responsibilities, and/or jobs outside of school.

• Serve 7 hours per week with a local, nonprofit organization
• Engage in 2 hours per week of training and enrichment through interdisciplinary classes
• Arrive to campus early to participate in an annual fall retreat
• Participate in two immersive experiences: first-year intercession immersion and sophomore exchange
• Complete one summer of service with a community-based organization
• Conduct a senior capstone project that involves community-based research
• Are dedicated to seven common commitments: Social justice, Diversity, Community-Building, Spiritual Exploration, Civic Engagement, Wellness, and International Perspective
• Log their hours using GivePulse 
• Encourage other Rollins students to get involved in service and leadership initiatives
• Receive a direct grant of $3,000 annually 

• Committed to working with people and institutions regardless of age, race, belief, or nationality
• Colleges have vital societal roles to play in nurturing and mobilizing  thoughtful, caring, and diverse leaders dedicated to community service
• Often the best way to help someone is to give them the opportunity to help themselves, and the people best able to address problems are those who are most directly affected
• Effective community service programs involve all stakeholders
• Long-lasting partnerships are based on mutual respect and common commitments
• Innovative programs have the potential to serve as models for other higher-education institutions

“I came to Rollins because of the Bonner Program. Bonner provides me with the opportunity to work on issues that are important to me while also pursuing my education. The ability to have a long-term placement with a nonprofit organization has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and a greater sense of belonging to the local community.”  - Student

For a more complete overview of the Bonner Program and your potential commitment, please check out the Bonner Roadmap.

Learn more about the National Bonner Program.

How to apply:

Discover more about the Bonner Program by attending a 30-minute virtual presentation. Our current Bonner Leaders will guide you through the experience from freshman to senior year in the program. Choose from one of the three sessions:

1. Monday January 27th from 7:00pm-7:45pm est. Click here to join the meeting
2. Tuesday February 11th from 7:00pm-7:45pm est. Click here to join the meeting
3. Thursday Feburary 27th from 7:00pm-7:45pm est. Click here to join the meeting

In order to apply for the Bonner cohort, you must be an incoming first-year student who has already been accepted to Rollins College. You can access the application starting on Friday, December 6th, 2024 through your online Rollins portal. 

The questions you will answer in your application are: 

1. Choose 1-2 of the commitments that you have dedicated time to, such as service/volunteerism, family, school, faith, athletics, or work. These can be, but do not have to be commitments that are listed on your resume.  Explain your motivations behind these experiences and reflect on how they have developed you as a leader or taught you meaningful lessons. 
2. What unique contributions would you bring to the Bonner Leader Program and your non-profit partner organization? Please share any specific and unique skills or traits that you could apply through your participation with the Bonner Program and describe how you have applied these in the past. 
3. Bonner Leaders act as ambassadors for the college and the Bonner Program. The ability to demonstrate respect and the capacity to consider various viewpoints are crucial. What is your definition of diversity?  How does your identity shape your relationship to service? 
4. The Bonner Program is a 4-year commitment that requires 250 service hours per year. As a Bonner, you'll have to manage your academics, social life, and other commitments with this program. What approaches will you take to stay engaged with the program? Additionally, what do you hope to gain from your time in the Bonner Program? 

The application deadline for Fall 2025 is Sunday March 2nd, 2025 by 11:59pm est.

For more information, please contact Rollins Bonner Program Director, Victoria Teske, vteske@rollins.edu