Bonner Scholar Program

Since 2005, the Stetson University Bonner Program has been a catalyst for student-led community transformation and social justice. Bonner students partner with local non-profit organizations to collaboratively solve problems in our community through service.

Bonner students:

  • Intern with a non-profit community partner for eight to ten hours per week for four years.
  • Begin their internship by learning about the partner's strengths and needs, then gradually increase their responsibility by taking on leadership of programs, research projects, volunteer recruitment and training, and other efforts that increase the capacity of the community partner.
  • Align their internship with their academic and career goals so that they graduate with the skills, knowledge and experience needed for graduate school or a career in their area of interest.
  • Can be any major.

To help Bonner students complete this work, need-based financial aid packages are available:

  • Students with high need (i.e., those who have less than a $10,000 expected family contribution (EFC) per the FAFSA and/or the CSS PROFILE) will have 100 percent of their demonstrated financial need covered through a combination of grants, scholarships and loans.
  • Students with low need (i.e., those who have $10,000 or more EFC) receive a fixed scholarship of $500 per semester.

As a bonus, all Bonner students are eligible to count their service hours toward fulfilling their student employment requirements (i.e., federal work-study or university employment) so that they do not need to have an on-campus job while completing their Bonner requirements.

Bonner Program Requirements

All Bonner students are subject to the following requirements:

  • Commitment to eight or more hours of community service per week through an internship with a local non-profit community partner
  • Commitment to two hours of personal, professional and/or leadership training per week
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA each semester
  • Attend orientation and the annual Bonner fall retreat
  • Enrollment and completion of the first-year Bonner course (first semester, first year)
  • Enrollment and completion of the Certificate of Community Engagement academic minor
  • Complete two "Summers of Service" summer internships (financial assistance available)
  • Complete the "First Year Bonner Trip" - a three day local service project (may require travel, which is paid for by the university)
  • Complete the "Sophomore Exchange" - a four day service project carried out with Bonners from another college or university (may require travel, which is paid for by the university)
  • Complete the "Junior Capstone" - an intensive research or program development project that connects student’s academic and career interests with a community need
  • Complete the "Senior Legacy" - an intensive reflection and career preparation project

Internship Opportunities

Bonner students work directly with many local non-profit organizations. The specific responsibilities depend on the needs of the organization and the student's academic and career interests, but can include tutoring, recreation, marketing, program development, volunteer coordination, research and grant writing. Organizational partners include:

  • Boys and Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties
  • Volusia County Schools
  • The Neighborhood Center
  • Chisholm Community Center
  • Volusia/Flagler Coalition to End Homelessness
  • The United Way
  • The Spring Hill Resource Center
  • Marine Science Center
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

More information about the Stetson University Bonner Program can be found at www.stetson.edu/bonner.