Why Bonner?

The Bonner Scholars Program at Davidson College is SO much more than a scholarship and SO much more than direct service!  The 80 Bonner Scholars on-campus come together for weekly meetings covering skill development ranging from time management to conflict resolution and issues such as poverty reduction and education reform.  At the same time, the meetings offer an opportunity to build upon relationships with peers and to discuss questions or concerns and to celebrate successes.

Click here for an overview of the expectations and scholarship details.

How Do Each of the Four Years Differ?

Students complete 280 hours of service each year and complete two summers of service during their time in the program.  Some of those hours come from class meetings in which topics are designed to develop along with the students based on skill-building and knowledge areas.  In addition, classes spend time developing a "Cornerstone" project.

The first year Cornerstone project is a First Year Service Trip over Spring Break.  This trip is funded by the Bonner Foundation and it is a wonderful opportunity to learn about an issue and a new community.  The second year of the program allows for time to "exchange" with another school and learn more about another Bonner program and another community.  The second semester of the second year is also a time for "recommitment" to the program.  Both of these activities are planned by the second year Bonner class.  Toward the end of the last year in the program, Bonners will take part in a "Presentation of Learning" which is a creative way to highlight experiences from the time in the program.