Bonner Leader Program

The CSB and SJU Bonner Leader Program

In 2008, CSB and SJU began a pilot Bonner Program that included eight current students. The following year, 10 incoming first-years were invited to join the program.  Today, CSB and SJU has 36 students from both campuses, grade levels, and majors. Students fulfill their Bonner work study at over 15 different locations and complete more than 1,000 hours of service every year. Each student receives a work-study award in addition to a $2,500 scholarship, renewable for all four years that students remain in the program. For more information about the CSB and SJU Bonner Leader Program as well as how to become a Bonner, please explore these pages.

The National Bonner Program

The Bonner Foundation was started by Corella and Bertram F. Bonner. Their vision was for college students to be given the resources and the means to serve in their communities. The Bonner Leader Program is a part of the overall mission of the Bonner Foundation: “The mission of the… Bonner Leader Program is to transform the lives of students and members, the life of their campuses, their local communities, and the world through service and leadership. The Bonner Program is designed to heighten the overall education students and members receive by asking them to engage in ongoing service work and helping them develop the experience, skills, knowledge and values necessary to make that work meaningful and lasting.” Bonner Leaders are required to “participate in regular training and reflection activities sponsored by their campuses, their community partners, and the Bonner Foundation.” They are committed to social justice, civic engagement, spiritual exploration, diversity, international perspective and community building. Over 85 different colleges and universities in over 22 states have a Bonner Program implemented on their campuses, awarding scholarships to more than 2,500 students.

Our Mission

Through sustained partnerships with colleges and congregations, the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals and communities by helping meet the basic needs of nutrition and educational opportunity.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Claire Lentsch at [email protected]  for more information.  We hope you will join us as we work together to provide access to education, opportunity to serve.