Bonner Scholars Program

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Begun in 1990, by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, which is based in Princeton, New Jersey, the Bonner Scholars Program is one of the largest privately funded service programs in the nation. The Bonner Foundation awards four-year community service scholarships to undergraduate students who have a need for financial assistance as well as a commitment to service. The program financially supports over 2,500 students at 24 other colleges and universities throughout the United States. The Bonner Scholars Program pursues its goal to "change the world through service" by providing access to education and opportunities to serve. 

Berry College offers a rich tradition of service to others by seeking to educate the whole student through a three-part mission of educating the head, the heart and the hands. The Bonner Scholars Program particularly helps students to fulfill Berry College's motto — "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister" — by allowing them to participate in projects and internships designed to serve the Rome/Floyd community. By doing so, the Bonner Program fulfills the "hands" portion of Berry's mission and is a great asset to the college, the student participants and those who are served. 

The Bonner Scholars Program is one of the many programs under the Berry College Bonner Center for Community Service. At Berry, the Bonner Scholars Program consists of approximately 80 students, or 20 in each class cohort. Each student must complete 140 hours of community service each semester with a non-profit organization in Rome. Additionally, each student must complete two summers of service consisting of 280 hours, though these can take place at a nonprofit organization anywhere. 

Through the Bonner Scholars Program, in addition to regular community service, students work in teams to advocate for social issues and gain a better understanding diverse communities. Students also have regular opportunities to reflect on their service and its broader significance — as individuals and as group members. 

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