Lindsey Wilson College
Bonner Scholars

Bonner Scholar Program

The mission of the Bonner Leader Program is to transform the lives of students and members, the life of their campuses, their local communities, and the world through service and leadership. The Bonner Program is designed to heighten the overall education students and members receive by asking them to engage in ongoing service work and helping them develop the experience, skills, knowledge and values necessary to make that work meaningful and lasting.

The Bonner Foundation, the Bonner Scholars Program, and the Bonner Leaders Program hold these Common Commitments:

  • Social Justice
  • Civic Engagement
  • Spiritual Exploration
  • Diversity
  • International Perspective
  • Community Building

For the purposes of the Bonner Leader Program, “community service” is defined as service provided to individuals or communities to meet social, educational, or environmental needs. This service may be provided directly or indirectly through a student-initiated project or a project sponsored by a non-profit or government agency. No less than half of a Bonner Leader’s service hours must be spent in “direct, hands-on” community service activities such as tutoring, visiting the elderly, environmental clean-up, building a home, renovating a playground.

Some of our Bonner placements include: Summit Manor Nursing Home, Lake Cumberland Head Start, 4-H Youth Development, Camp Casey, and Columbia/Adair Co. Chamber of Commerce, The Center for Courageous Kids and several others.

The Bonner Scholar Program is funded through LWC and the Bonner Foundation. The Bonner Scholars would not function without cooperation from the community. The program accepts all forms of investments, whether they are personal time or ideas. Contact us if you have a potential project for Bonner Scholars or would like more information.

Contact Information

Location: Career Services and Bonner Scholar Center (Wilkerson)
Phone: 270-384-7469
Fax: 270-384-8434
E-mail: bonner@lindsey.edu

    New Students

    We are now accepting applications for the 2023 school year.

    Applicants should be highly motivated and service-oriented incoming college freshmen who want to improve their college experience through service to the local community. You do not have to be accepted at Lindsey Wilson College to apply for LWC Bonner, but you should be in the process of applying to LWC!

    Early Application Deadline: February 3, 2023.
    Any student that meets this deadline will be invited to an exclusive meet and greet with current Bonners on campus.

    Standard Deadline: March 3, 2023

    All interviews will take place during the Talent Showcase on March 19, 2023.

    APPLY NOW


    Fill out the application form above and submit. If you prefer to mail a hard copy, please request a copy from bonner@lindsey.edu and mail it to The Bonner Program, 210 Lindsey Wilson Street, Columbia, KY 42728.

    You must possess the following:
  • Complete a Bonner Application. Letters of recommendation are optional and not required.
  • Have a cumulative GPA above a 3.0.
  • Commit to 7-10 hours of direct service weekly at one of the above sites or a site that fits the six commitments and meetings assigned by Bonner Director.
  • Show that you are passionate about servant leadership.

    • Returning Students

    If you are already a Lindsey Wilson College student, a rising sophomore or junior for the 2022-2023 school year, and you want to apply to join Bonner next year, please *complete the online application by March 24, 2023.* Applications will be accepted and interviews will take place toward the end of the Spring 2023 semester.

    If you have questions regarding the Bonner Leader Program, please feel free to contact Kisha Burton at 270-384-8689 or email burtonk@lindsey.edu. For more information about the Bonner Foundation please visit their website at www.bonner.org.

    The Bonner Scholar Commitments and Student Development Model


Bonner Volunteers
Bonner Volunteers

Bonner Volunteers

We understand that not everyone can promise the high level of commitment to service we expect from our Bonner Scholars - some students are athletes, involved in clubs, or busy with classes and cannot meet the service hours requirement. That doesn't mean that we want them to miss out on opportunities to give back to the local community through service!

Through a desire to create more service opportunities for LWC students, the Bonner Volunteers program was born: B-Vols!

Becoming a B-Vol is open to all current LWC students, and gives them a chance to make connections with non-profits in the local community. They meet once a month to discuss their service, and are welcome at most Bonner meetings and events.

To apply to be a B-Vol, download the application here and return it to the Bonner Office via campus mail or email it to bonner@lindsey.edu.

Coats for Kids Welcome Bonner Scholars Welcome Bonner Scholars