PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Bonner Leader program provides community-service leadership opportunities, training and enrichment, and tuition assistance to a select group of students who are exceptionally dedicated to community service.  Bonner Leaders make a commitment to an intensive program of training and community service totaling 900 hours over two academic years.   In the company of like-minded peers and staff, Bonner Leaders grow intellectually, spiritually, and academically as a result of their commitment. In turn, Bonner Leaders not only make a substantive difference in the day-to-day lives of those they serve; they also strive to bring more justice, equity, and fairness to the local, national, and global structures and institutions.

To achieve this vision, Washington and Lee University, in conjunction with the Bonner Foundation and the Corporation for National Service (AmeriCorps), provides service-scholarships to approximately 20 students. The Bonner Leader Program functions as a replacement for traditional work-study, allowing students otherwise committed to the fulfillment of financial obligations through work, time and funding to pursue his or her passion for community service.  Bonner Leaders receive institutional aid from Washington and Lee in the sum of $2000, administered in $500 installments for every active semester of service.  Once Bonner Leaders complete their 900-hour terms of service, they receive Americorps education vouchers worth approximately $2300 which may be applied toward tuition and fees for future educational pursuits.

Bonner leaders' service placements cover a wide range of interests and agencies.  In recent years, Bonner Leaders have tutored in elementary schools, counseled survivors at a domestic violence shelter, assisted with therapeutic riding and drama programs for developmentally-disabled adults, researched and an organized a local chapter of a nationally-known anti-hunger program, and documented daily lives and histories of vibrant but marginalized local communities.  As each Bonner Leader explores and finds placements that speak to her or his passions, each also participates in reflection, training, and enrichment activities aimed to help give the experience more meaning and a deeper connection to the Leader's intellectual, professional, and personal development.

Bonner Leaders who also enroll in the interdisciplinary course POVERTY 101 are eligible to participate in the Shepherd Program in Poverty Studies' Alliance Summer Internship program.  The Shepherd Program reimburses all interns for housing, food, and other expenses incurred in the summer program and offers a stipend for students on need-based financial aid. 

Counting an 8-week, full-time summer internship,  the 900-hour Bonner Leader term of service can be completed by working approximately 8-10 hours per week at the student's service placement and participating in required training and enrichment activities. 

The Bonner Foundation is the largest privately-funded institution providing assistance to service scholarship programs.   The Bonner Foundation also provides enrichment moneys and helps document the impacts of Bonner Leader programs on students and on communities.  The Bonner Foundation also provides assistance to Washington and Lee in obtaining AmeriCorps stipends.  Most importantly, the Bonner Foundation has created a network of students, staff, and community partners through its work at Washington and Lee and a total of 73 other colleges and universities participating in Bonner Leader or Scholar programs nationwide.  This network provides Washington and Lee Bonner Leaders multiple, invaluable opportunities to network and learn from with others equally dedicated to excellence and justice in service learning.

 The Bonner Foundation and the Washington and Lee Bonner Leader Program share these Common Commitments:

• Social Justice
• Civic Engagement
• Spiritual Exploration
• Diversity
• International Perspective
• Community Building

Reflection on and practice of these Common Commitments, coupled with dedication to your service placement, can transform your college years into an experience that not only rewards you, but reaps dividends for the University, the Lexington and greater Rockbridge communities, and the global community. 

The Washington and Lee Bonner Leader Program will select new members annually based on student initiative or faculty nomination, a written application, letter of recommendation, and interview.  If you have questions or comments please contact Dr. Sandra Hayslette, Service Network Coordinator and Bonner Leader Program Director, at (540) 458-5323 or hayslettes@wlu.edu.