The Bonner Leader Program, coordinated by the Center for Community Engagement, is
part of a national network of 65 campuses across the country, supported by the Bonner Foundation. This four-year program engages students in civic learning, one-on-one and small-group
mentoring relationships, collaborative and cross-cultural problem-solving experiences,
ample opportunities for reflection and skill building, and financial support.
As Bonner Leaders commit to the program for the duration of their college career,
they will build strong relationships with the CCE's community partners, activating
all pillars of the university's public affairs mission and strengthening the off-campus
community. These relationships return a wealth of professional guidance, skill building
and mentorship from outstanding members of the community. We encourage you to apply
now and a Bonner Leader. Explore the path below to see how your college path will
look as Bonner Leader at Missouri State.
Diversity - We respect and embrace the many dimensions of diversity in our private and public
lives
Social Justice - We advocate for fairness, impartiality, and equality while addressing systemic
social and environmental issues.
International Perspective - We develop international understanding that enables us to participate successfully
in a global society.
Spiritual Exploration - We explore personal belief while respecting the spiritual practices of others.
Civic Engagement - We participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic process, actively engaging
in public policy and direct service.
Community Building - We establish and sustain a vibrant community of place, personal relationships,
and common interests.
What You Need to Apply
Submit an Application, including a Cover Letter and Resume
Tip: Communicate your commitment to service in the community and goals for academic
achievement
Must be committed to participating in the program for four years
Demonstrate roles(s) held with significant responsibility at home, church, school,
and the community
Must be eligible/awarded Federal Work Study funding
Missouri State Bonner Leaders:
Serve 8-10 hours per week (approximately 28 to 32 weeks – Fall/Spring semesters; minimum
of 280 hours)
Engage in 2-4 hours per week of training and enrichment through Bonner meetings
Are dedicated to six common commitments: Social Justice, Diversity, Community Building,
Spiritual Exploration, Civic Engagement, and International Perspective
Participate in two immersive experiences: first-year immersion, sophomore exchange
Complete one summer of service with a community-based organization
Conduct a senior capstone project that involves community-based research
Encourage other Missouri State students to get involved in community engagement initiatives
Bonner Leaders are service leaders at Missouri State that are actively engaged in
community partnerships and leadership development. Bonner Leaders are committed not
only to service, but also to learning how to be an effective change agent for their
campus. Throughout their college career, Bonner Leaders will:
Serve as a Center for Community Engagement “Ambassador” to fellow students
Complete 8-10 hours of service per week during the fall and spring semesters
Attend a weekly education and enrichment workshop
Develop a service portfolio
Cornerstone Activities
The Bonner Leader Program has key Cornerstone Activities: The Cornerstone Activities
are designed to be hallmarks and helps foster Bonner Leader Development:
First-Year Bonner Orientation (required) - This is a Bonner student's first experience with the Bonner Program that equips
the student with a sense of Bonner community, and basic knowledge with which to
begin their work in the program.
First-Year Service Trip (required) - This trip is a week-long experience that takes place during Spring Break of their
first year. While the trip may revolve around service, activities generally include
meetings with community residents, agency representatives, and others who provide
students with an educational context about the community.
Bonner Congress- This is a leadership opportunity to represent SRU's Bonner program at the national
level and connect with other Bonner Leaders across the US.
Junior/Senior Leadership- There are multiple opportunities for any Bonner, though most often 3rd and 4th year
students, to take more initiative through different leadership opportunities in the
Bonner Program. Opportunities include supporting or facilitating cornerstone activities
that can be linked to academics, campus-wide events, international service immersion
trips, and/or Bonner Intern positions.
Senior Capstone & Senior Presentation of Learning (required)-The Senior Capstone is defined as a culminating educational activity in which students
integrate and apply their learning to a significant project with meaning to the
student and to society. Senior Presentation of Learning is an opportunity for Bonners
to reflect on their experiences, to articulate personal transformations through the
Bonner Program, and to envision their place in the world after graduation.
