About the program

Do you want to be involved — locally and globally — in making the world a better place? Consider becoming a Rider Bonner Community Leader.

Through a wide range of service projects, Bonners are putting their passion and talents to work to address hunger, homelessness, adult literacy, and the mentoring and tutoring needs of at-risk youth.

The Rider Bonner Community Leaders Program is part of a national network of over seventy American colleges and universities. The Bonner Foundation is located in Princeton, New Jersey. In 1990, they created the first Bonner Scholars Program at Berea College with the mission of providing access to college for students with no means of paying for school and an opportunity to become civically engaged in their communities. Rider University has been a part of the Bonner network since 1999.

Application Information

Deadline: February 1, 2025

Apply Now

What Do We Do?

Off-Campus

Rider Bonner Community Leaders serve in small teams with several primary community partners to address issues of hunger, homelessness, adult literacy and at-risk youth in the Trenton area. Students accepted into the program are assigned to one primary site for the academic year based on their preferences, class schedule, and each agency’s needs. Some of our primary community partners include:

  • Arm In Arm
  • TASK
  • Capitol Area YMCA
  • HomeFront Family Preservation Center & Joy, Hopes & Dreams Program
  • The English School

On-Campus

Rider Bonner Community Leaders Assist in operating the Service & Civic Engagement Office by developing and facilitating the Engaged-Learning Programs and service events offered to all Rider Students. Some of our campus-wide initiatives include:

  • Rider Resource Pantry
  • Meals on Wheels Mercer County
  • Rider Votes
  • End Hunger Advocates
  • College Rocks! In partnership with Mercer Street Friends
  • Medical Reserve Corps
  • Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps

Why We Do It?

The Rider University Bonner Community Leaders program has been transforming student's college experiences through service for over 20 years. This four year program provides a rich, in depth opportunity for students to explore social justice issues in meaningful ways while providing vital hands on support to address real community needs.

Being a Bonner Leader at Rider University makes an ordinary college experience, EXTRAORDINARY!

Benefits of a Bonner Community Scholar

  • Receive an $3,500 scholarship
  • Receive an additional $1,200 ($4,700 total award) each year after successfully completing your first year in the program
  • Priority registration for classes
  • Opportunities to attend national conferences

Expectations from Members:

  • Complete 12 -15 hours of community service per week
  • Attend all training and enrichment opportunities such as the Bonner Weekly meetings
  • Attend required annual events such as: All Bonner Kick-Off, Bonner Winter Retreat, and End of the Year Celebration
  • Participate in campus service events

Additional Expectations by year:

  • Newly Admitted Students: Attend the New Bonner Orientation and First Year Service Experience Trip during Spring Break
  • Sophomores: Attend Sophomore Exchange
  • Juniors: Plan and implement Junior Capstone
  • Seniors: Create and put on a Senior Presentation of Learning