Be a Bonner Scholar
Apply to be a Bonner Scholar
All students with an interest in meaningful and significant service are invited to apply.
To apply for the Bonner Program, prospective students must:
- already be admitted at Washington and Lee University
- must submit an application and resume to the Shepherd Program
- may submit a FAFSA report and CSS Profile with W&L’s Financial Aid Office if one isn't already on file - demonstrated financial need from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile are taken into consideration.
Once applications have been received, an initial review will move about one-third of those applicants to the interview phase. Interviews are by phone and will take place within two-weeks of the application deadline. Selected applicants are typically notified of our decision within a week of interviews.
Bonner Scholars
What type of students should apply?
We are looking for high-achieving students with a strong ethic of service and a deep commitment to community. Sometimes these are the students who have significant service experience in high school, but often they are students who demonstrate their ethic of service in other ways through service to their families and neighbors.
Is this based on financial need?
No. Half of the spots in each incoming class are reserved for students with demonstrated financial need, and half are not. We encourage students of all financial backgrounds to apply.
How many students are accepted?
We admit around 10 students per class.
Can I be a Bonner and be an athlete?
We have students who are successful as both student athletes and Bonners. That said, we ask that students put academics first, Bonner second, and everything else third. That “everything else” is incredibly important, and in fact our Bonners are some of the most highly involved students on campus.We ask that Bonners make their attendance to all program commitments a priority amongst their other areas of involvement.
What is the time commitment?
Students are required to serve approximately 8-10 hours per week with a local community partner and attend our weekly one-hour Sunday evening meetings. Additionally, students go on a First Year Service-Trip over February break of the first year, and a three-day weekend exchange with another Bonner School during the second year.
What is summer service?
We ask that students serve one full summer of service, which would be 8 weeks or equivalent. We work with students to find suitable summer opportunities and to seek funding for their service.