Bonner Requirements

Bonner Leaders are selected through a competitive process open to incoming first-year students.

Applicants must meet regular admissions standards and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through the program, each student earns a $3,000 service-based stipend, renewable for all four years that students remain eligible in the program. The stipend is paid bi-weekly throughout the semester and not in one lump sum. 

First year Bonner Leaders agree to enroll in a 3 credit Bonner Seminar their first Fall semester. Every subsequent semester Bonner Leaders will enroll in a 0-1 credit course in the fall. All Bonner Leaders will participate in planned community service activities during the year.

Requirements

  • Enroll and attend the required Bonner Seminar course (first years will enroll in a 3-credit course, second and third years will enroll in a 0-1 Bonner Seminar Continuation course, and fourth years will enroll in a 0-1 credit capstone course)
  • Serve 8-10 hours a week at their selected community service agency each year as they continue to gain hands-on knowledge, skills, and abilities. By the end of their Senior Year, Bonner Leaders will have accumulated 1200+ service hours. These are paid positions through Federal Work-Study.
  • Attend Fall Retreat and Bonner Leader Orientation
  • Actively participate in Spring Bi-Weekly Meetings that build your workplace skills and help you integrate your academic learning and service
  • Represent George Mason University and the Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning in a positive manner when completing your work-study hours at your community work-study site