<p>I noticed the website is a little light on details. Can anyone tell me more about it? Any personal experiences with the program? How many people typically apply? I know 25 are chosen. Thanks.</p>
<p>Daughter received the email on the Bonner Scholarship today, too. As community service has been a top interest for her, seems like it could be a good fit.</p>
<p>does everyone get the email?</p>
<p>I believe so. The admissions blog mentions that it was sent out to all applicants.</p>
<p>possibly :( I did too</p>
<p>All applicants received the e-mail so that they can consider applying to the program. Having received it is not an indication of anything other than that you have applied to the University. </p>
<p>I've asked the Bonner Scholar program director to invite some current Bonner Scholars to visit the forum and talk about their experiences. It is a great program full of students strongly committed to civic engagement and community participation. They have service placements all over the city of Richmond in all sorts of community organizations--so whatever your issue might be, you'll find an organization that would love to have your heart and hands added to their effort.</p>
<p>Could you tell us how much financial need is weighted in deciding Bonner Scholars?</p>
<p>It is typically given to kids w/EFC of under $7500.
you can get up to $15 k over 4 yrs.</p>
<p>However, I would add that at UR, a handful are given on the basis of "merit" alone, meaning to students who do not demonstrate financial aid eligibility, but who have outstanding records of community engagement that we believe would enhance our program.</p>
<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I'm a sophomore Bonner Scholar and I love it. I volunteer 6 hours each week at the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, but I've also done service at about four other nonprofit organizations in Richmond. The program connects you to unique opportunities on-campus and in the community that can relate to just about any major or interests you may have. The other 4 hours of my service each week come mainly from on-campus events, meetings, and workshops.</p>
<p>Time management is a crucial part of the program. Managing 10 hours of Bonner service each week forces you to manage your time wisely but we have lots of tools and friendly staff to help you keep everything under control. Depending on your service site, you may do more hours one week than another and your overall semester hours will average out. Some Bonner Scholars are also involved in Greek life, athletics, and clubs, so there is still plenty of time left for other activities. </p>
<p>There is also a summer service component to the program. The summer service guidelines are 280 hours over a minimum of 7 weeks. You receive a living stipend. Summer service is required for two of the three summers and should be completed at an approved nonprofit organization. Some students do their service abroad or in their home towns; this summer I'm going to Ecuador for my service!</p>
<p>Oh, and Bonner Scholars also receive priority registration, which is a great way to help avoid those early classes.</p>
<p>Bonner Scholars is separate from Richmond Scholars and requires completion of a separate application that can be found at University</a> of Richmond Center for Civic Engagement: About the Center and must be postmarked by February 15, 2009.</p>
<p>The number of applicants grows every year so it is hard to say how many there will be this year. If you don't have a large history of community service that's okay. The program looks for "quality not quantity" on the applications. As Bonner Scholars we don't just do service, we also spend time reflecting on what service means and how it benefits society. The program has really been a learning experience for me and pushed me to do so many things in the community that I never would have done otherwise.</p>
<p>I hope you all apply! :)</p>
<p>Mary</p>
<p>I'm currently a senior Bonner Scholar and hope that I can provide you the insight that you're looking for.</p>
<p>Background information: Bonner Scholars do ten hours of community service per week. In the past, I have worked at the Boys & Girls Club and I currently work at National Student Partnerships in downtown Richmond. I normally carpool with other Bonner Scholars, but I can also take the bus (which is safe) if necessary. It is up to the Bonner's choice (and schedule) to decide when the service is done. In the past, I have done my Bonner service on Mondays and Wednesdays afternoons for 4-5 hours. </p>
<p>In addition, Bonners are required to do TWO 280-hour summer service experiences. This is the equivalent of about 7-8 weeks. In the beginning of each summer, we get up to $1,000 to pay for living expenses. At the end of each summer service, we get $1,500. During my first year, I only used up $600 for living expenses. I let the remaining $400 rollover towards my second year (which allowed me to use $1,400 for my second year of summer service). Sometimes people "splurge" on the second year so that they can do service abroad - teaching English in South America, etc.</p>
<p>For my first-year Bonner summer service, I worked at National Student Partnerships in the local D.C. office. I helped lower-income community members find jobs, search for housing, taught them basic computer skills, and did basic administrative tasks. For my second-year of Bonner summer service, I worked at Habitat for Humanity and helped them with the homeowner applicant process - in other words, I double checked to make sure all legal/financial documentation was there. </p>
<p>The Bonner summer service requirements of what counts is relatively flexible. This is basically a good opportunity for people to build up their resume with experience/skills in time for (a hopefully paid) junior summer internship. Furthermore, it's something related to helping the community (in some fashion) and figuring out what the student is interested in (academically or career-wise). </p>
<p>Time commitment: During the school year, I would say that the time commitment is no different than being involved in Greek life, student government, intervarsity, music, dance, sports, etc. We have a lot of Bonners who do it all. In order to balance all those activities, I know that a lot of Bonners take a step up on the leadership roles of the organizations that they're most passionate about and then some are just members of the organizations - it's all about time management.</p>
<p>The Application Process: We look at everything and like well-rounded candidates. Please don't worry about the financial eligibility criteria and if you have enough service credentials - just fill out your application to the best of your ability. Don't get too intimidated in the process. When I was a high school senior, I felt just as nervous and intimidated. Like all things, if you show that you're really passionate and interested in this, it will be reflected in your application. </p>
<p>PS: Make sure to certify and make extra copies of anything that you send in the mail :)</p>
<p>For UR Leona and Mary,</p>
<p>My daughter is a UWC student and she is really very interested to be a Bonner scholar since it is the same as what they do at UWC.
May I know if the Bonner grant will be on top of what they will receive as a Richmond scholar, for example OLdham(which offers ful tuition and board/lodging), and as Davis Scholar(which offers up to 20000 dollars in grant)?
Thanks for sharing your testimonials.</p>
<p>Bonner grant money is just like having a job on campus. You will receive the money as several paychecks over the semester to spend any way you wish. So yes, you will receive the stipend on top of any other scholarships.</p>
<p>Oh, this is great! What I initially understood from their post was 2,500 dollars is alloted for tuition so I thought you cannot have it to spend for something else so if you were already paid by another scholarship it will be wasted.</p>