Introduction to the Bonner Community Leaders Program

The Bonner Community Leaders Program at Simmons University is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This program is designed for students who are passionate about civic engagement and eliminating systematic inequalities.

Program Description

Being a Bonner Community Leader involves a commitment not only to service but also to learning how to be an effective change agent for one's campus, community, and beyond. Ideal Bonner candidates demonstrate community involvement, embrace working in a team setting, have leadership potential, and possess a strong commitment to the Bonner mission to "transform students, communities, and campuses through service."

Eligibility and Selection

To be eligible for the program, participants must have federal work-study as part of their financial aid package and a demonstrated commitment to community involvement. The program invites all first-year students to apply and selects 10-15 new participants each year.

Bonner Benefits

Financial Support & Additional Benefits

• Federal Work Study funding, typically $2,500 per academic year, as determined by the student's financial aid package
• A stipend of up to $2,000 each year based on hours served
• Local transportation passes and covering other possible costs associated with service Totalling up to $18,000 during a four-year undergraduate career!

Professional Development

• Opportunity for participation in national conferences
• Engagement with a community of peers who are passionate about service and social justice
• Mentoring from staff, faculty, and Bonner mentors
• Opportunity to serve in the local and regional community through service site placements

Networking Opportunities

• Membership in a nationally recognized program
• Alumni network after graduation
• Develop strong professional communication skills

Personal Skills and Growth

• Build time management skills and learn to balance multiple priorities
• Gain an understanding of community and community partner needs
• Learn the root causes of social issues and the role of community service and service-learning in collaboratively creating solutions
• Become more fully human and conscientious as an active, contributing member of society

Program Expectations

Bonner Community Leaders are expected to:

• Become a part of a dedicated team of leaders in community service and social justice by being matched with a community-based organization for a multi-year partnership based upon community needs
• Complete 280 hours of combined service, training, meetings, and class sessions per year for the 4-year engagement
• Attend regularly scheduled, required Bonner meetings
• Participate in pre-service orientation
• Participate in a first-year service trip and a second-year service exchange
• Complete one summer internship spending at least 280 hours with a local, state, national, or international non-profit or government agency
• Make a final presentation of learning
• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA
• Embrace the Bonner Common Commitments

Common Commitments

The Bonner program is founded on six common commitments:

• Diversity: Respect and embrace the many dimensions of diversity in private and public lives
• Social Justice: Advocate for fairness, impartiality, and equality while addressing systemic social and environmental issues
• International Perspective: Develop international understanding that enables participation in a global society
• Spiritual Exploration: Explore personal belief while respecting the spiritual practices of others
• Civic Engagement: Participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic process, actively engaging in public policy and direct service
• Community Building: Establish and sustain a vibrant community of place, personal relationships, and common interests
• Wellness: Value balance in life, prioritizing academic, civic, and personal responsibilities, and modeling productive behaviors in the settings in which one serves and learns

Developmental Philosophy

This program is designed to challenge and support students throughout their four years through an experiential learning model. Starting their first year at Simmons, Bonner Leaders are oriented and immersed in exploring personal and interpersonal identity, the local and at-large community, and the program's structure and expectations.

Community Partner Information

Bonner Community Partners

The program partners with nonprofit and community-based organizations in multiple issue areas, including education, the environment, hunger and homelessness, healthcare, youth with disabilities, and many more. Partners serve as co-educators in student development and community engagement.

Why Become a Bonner Community Leaders Partner?

Through this multi-year partnership, organizations will have access to dedicated students committed to service, leadership, and community involvement. Each year, Simmons accepts new students into the program, offering long-standing partnership and continued support.

Community Partner Guidelines

• Attend the Virtual Bonner Community Partners Orientation
• Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Simmons University
• Select a staff member to act as an on-site supervisor to provide regular check-ins and act as a co-educator and facilitator of an effective relationship between the organization and the Bonner Leader
• Set clear guidelines for projects and responsibilities

Community Partner Application Process

1. Review the Request For Partnerships document in full
2. Review the Bonner Community Partner Handbook
3. Complete the Bonner Community Leader Host Site Application

Application Questions

1. Why are you interested in applying to be a Bonner Leader? (250 word limit)
2. What do you see as your responsibility to the community around us? (250 word limit)
3. Please share a specific story about a community-engaged learning experience
4. The Bonner Community Leaders Program at Simmons University values diversity of identity, thought, and experience
5. Identify one of the commitments that most resonates with you and explain why

Application Timeline

• November 15, 2024: Bonner Application Opens
• February 1, 2025: Simmons Application Deadline and Bonner Priority Application Deadline
• March 17 - 21, 2025: Bonner Priority Interview Week
• April 8, 2025: Bonner Priority Decision announced
• June 16, 2025: Bonner Final Application Deadline
• July 21 - July 25, 2025: Bonner Interview Week
• August 1, 2025: Bonner Final Decision Announced
• August 26, 2025: New Bonner Move In
• August 27 - 29, 2025: New Bonner Orientation

Simmons University

---

Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

---

Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

---

Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

---

Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.