Founded in 1989 by Bertram and Corella Bonner, The Bonner Scholar Program is based in Princeton, New Jersey. The program’s purpose is to enable college students’ engagement in leadership and service opportunities within their communities, and to help service transcend issues of ‘age, race, belief, or nationality’. Bonner has been successful at sharing this goal by establishing the Six Common Commitments at the core of their program philosophy. Twenty-seven colleges and universities participate in the Bonner Scholars Program and 4-year scholarships are provided for about 1,600 students annually.

In addition to ongoing service and scholarship benefits, Bonner Scholars may also experience other related opportunities such as Bonner Congress, Summer Leadership Institute, or Bonner Steering Committee. Davidson College’s Bonner Scholar Program began in 1991, making it one of the longest-running programs in the nation. At 20 Bonners per class, Davidson's Bonner Program is one of the largest programs in the nation as well.