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 Scholar.
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 Scholar Program is part of a national network of 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.
Visit the Rider Bonner Scholars student-run website to learn more about us.
Application Information
Deadline: Thursday, February 1st, 2024
What Do We Do?
Rider Bonner Community Scholars 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 our primary community partners include:
- Arm In Arm
- Capitol YMCA
- King Community School
- HomeFront Family Preservation Center & Joy, Hopes & Dreams Program
- HomeWorks Trenton
- The English School
Why We Do It?
The Rider University Bonner Community Scholar 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 Scholar at Rider University makes an ordinary college experience, EXTRAORDINARY!
Expectations from Members:
- Complete 12 -15 hours of community service per week
- Attend weekly training and enrichment opportunities
- Complete at total of 300 hours of service that includes the meetings
- Attend required events such as All Bonner Kick-Off and Bonner Winter Retreat
- Participate in campus service events
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
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 Rejuvenation Retreat
- Seniors: Create and put on a Senior Presentation of Learning
Benefits of a Bonner Community Scholar
- Receive an $3,500 scholarship
- Receive an additional $1200 ($4700 total award) each year after successfully completing your first year in the program
- Priority registration for classes
- Opportunities to attend national conferences