The mission of the Bonner Scholars and Bonner Leaders Programs 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.
Over 70 campuses throughout the nation host a Bonner Program. At Hobart and William Smith, the “Bonners” are the drivers for many of the new initiatives of the CCESL, devoting 6 to 10 hours a week in organizing students and working with the community in the areas of Literacy, Service-Learning, Hobart and William Smith Athletes for Geneva’s Youth, Civic Engagement and Community Activism and “What Do You Stand For?” Each receives a stipend and well as extensive leadership training and networking opportunities. If they complete 300 hours and choose to pursue it, they may also receive a $1,000 AmeriCorps Award. The intent is to grow this leadership program to include at least 20 Bonners who will serve both in issue areas and local agencies and programs.
As part of the Bonner Program's Student Development Model, the Bonner Leaders also participate in regular training and reflection activities sponsored by the HWS, our community partners and the Bonner Foundation.
The Bonner Foundation, the Bonner Scholars Program and the Bonner Leaders Program hold these Common Commitments (PDF):
