Scholarship Details

Bonner Scholars are part of a community that strives to develop expertise and leadership during a student’s four years at Earlham. As part of the program, Bonner Scholars are expected to:

• Complete an average of 10 hours of service a week (140 hours per semester) during the academic year.
• Attend training opportunities, such as workshops and retreats, that address pertinent issues and teach valuable, professional skills.
• Participate in weekly Bonner meetings, which are designed to assist students in assuming increasing levels of responsibility and leadership within their service.
• Participate in two summer service placements at nonprofit organizations of their choice anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.
• Additionally, first-year Bonner Scholars are expected to participate in a special new student orientation and a weekly seminar during the fall semester. First-year Bonner Scholars will also spend their spring break participating in the "First-Year Experience", which is a week of service spent with community partners in Big Ugly, West Virgina.

The Bonner Scholarship provides financial support for those admitted students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to service. Eligible candidates must have an expected family contribution (EFC) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) of $12,000 or less in order to be considered. This year’s Bonner Scholars had an average expected family contribution of $3,328.

Bonner Scholars will receive a total of $2,500 during each academic year contingent upon successful completion of school-year community service requirements. During each summer, Scholars receive up to $1,000 for summer living expenses and an earnings stipend of $1,500 upon completion of 280 hours of summer service. 

Upon four years of successful completion of the Bonner Program, the Bonner Foundation awards $2,000 toward student loan reduction or graduate school tuition. Bonner Scholars will receive a financial aid package from Earlham that meets the total verified financial need of the Bonner Scholar, which means that some students may receive additional aid that the college would not otherwise offer.