Applications

Qualifications

Each year, a cohort of approximately 10 students will be selected to join the George Mason Bonner Leadership Program. Bonner Leaders are selected through a highly competitive process that includes a written application and an interview round. Interested students who are eligible for federal work-study are encouraged to apply.

Bonner Leaders are chosen based on their ethic of service, leadership potential, and a significant desire to combine their academic work with their community-engaged activities. In recognition of the mission of the national Bonner Foundation to provide "access to education and opportunity to serve," several spots in each incoming class are reserved for students with demonstrated financial need.

In order for financial need to be considered in the selection process, applicants who expect they have need are encouraged to file a FAFSA form George Mason University's Financial Aid Office with a priority deadline of January 15th. Please do NOT submit any financial records (e.g., tax forms, FAFSA, etc.) to the SAIL Office.

While prospective students who have applied to George Mason University may apply to the Bonner Leadership Program, only those students who have been admitted by the University will be considered for the Bonner Leadership Program.

If you’d like to join us, just complete the application at the bottom of this page, bearing in mind that you should also:

• Apply for admission to both George Mason University and the Bonner Leadership Program.
• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1st, (Jan. 15th is priority deadline) taking careful note of your Expected Family Contribution (for use in the interest form below).
• Be ready to commit to a four-year program that will help you meet your academic, personal, and career goals.
• Plan to attend the Bonner Interview Day on Sunday, April 19th from 2 pm-6 pm.
• Past service experience is not a requirement as circumstances may have prevented some students from participating in community service.

• In order to be considered for the Bonner Leadership Program, students must submit the following:

  • A completed Bonner application by March 15th at 11:59 pm Apply Now!
  • The Online Recommendation Form must be completed by a guidance counselor, teacher, mentor, employer and/or supervisor by Sunday, March 22nd at 11:59 pm. Only ONE recommendation form needs to be completed on behalf of the student.