Bonner Scholars
The Bonner Scholars Program is a four-year scholarship program that supports a strong team of students working to bring about positive community change through service, research and action.
All 80 participants in Davidson's Bonner Scholars Program come together for weekly peer meetings and skill development, covering topics such as time management, conflict resolution, poverty reduction and education reform.
Each year, a new class of 20 incoming students are accepted into the program.
The Class of 2030 Bonner Scholars Application opens on January 31, 2026, and the first round of application review begins June 15, 2026. The application remains open until the class is filled. Applicants will be contacted at their Davidson College email address.
Bonner has given me the opportunity to explore my passions in ways I could never have imagined! Not only has the program prepared me for direct service toward the issues I want to tackle but also trained me to work more behind-the-scenes through advocacy and grant writing.
Bonner Scholar, Class of 2013
Bonner Scholars complete 280 hours of service annually, which include skill building lessons and class meetings. They also complete two summers of service, a cornerstone project over the course of the four-year program and have multiple opportunities for leadership.
Here are some highlights from the four years:
- The first year includes a cornerstone project, for which students plan a Bonner Foundation-funded service trip over spring break.
- The second year offers the chance for scholars to go on exchange, learning about the Bonner program and the community at a different college or university. Students also recommit to the program during the second year.
- At the end of the fourth year, scholars participate in a "presentation of learning," in which they highlight some of their experiences during the program.
Since its inception in 1990, the Bonner program has grown to include 60+ colleges and universities nationwide. Davidson has participated in the program since 1991, making it one of the longest-running Bonner Scholars programs in the nation.
Beginning with the Class of 2024
Scholarship Details
School Year Support
$2,500 per semester
Summer Living Support
$3,000 per summer, paid at the beginning of the summer
Summer Earnings
$1,500 per summer, paid early the following fall
Senior Stipend
$500 in senior year for service or professional development opportunity
________________________________________
Total Monetary Value: $23,500
Additionally, through an endowed fund created at Davidson, the Bonner Foundation provides a modest need-based grant for all Bonner Scholars, replacing a portion of the Davidson College Grant.