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Welcome To the Bonner Community Leaders Program

The Bonner Program logo with a diamond-shaped icon of a graduation cap and tassel, and the text "Access to Education, Opportunity to Serve."

The Bonner Community Leaders (BCL) program is part of the nationally recognized Bonner Foundation network, which empowers Augsburg University students through civic and community-based work. Our diverse cohort of 20 students is committed to creating a more just world by engaging with communities surrounding Augsburg. This program directly links to Augsburg’s mission to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.

 

Program Highlights

Diverse Cohort

First-generation and/or students with financial need are invited to participate in the program. Students are encouraged to start as first-year students and complete four years as Bonner Community Leaders. However, students with at least two years left at Augsburg are welcome to apply. 

Community Impact

Students engage in meaningful work with various community partners, focusing on collaborative and co-creative projects in the Cedar-Riverside community of Minneapolis.

Student-Centric Approach

Bonner Leaders are “students first,” balancing academic responsibilities with program involvement.

Opportunities

Our program is part of a national network that provides students with various opportunities, including participation in national conferences, access to graduate school resources and scholarships, and summer internships. For more information about the national network, please visit the Bonner Foundation website.

 

Program Structure

Weekly Commitment

All students complete 8-10 hours per week in academic year-long placements. First-year Bonner students must complete an exploration semester before choosing a placement.

Programming

Students are required to participate in 4-5 hours of Bonner programming per month. Programming may consist of community-building activities, leadership development workshops, and personal enrichment. 

Financial Compensation

Bonners must be eligible for federal work-study to participate and be paid for their work. Students are paid a competitive wage according to Augsburg University’s work-study rate.

Cornerstone Activities

These key experiences build the foundation of the program and include: the First Year Service Trip, Sophomore Exchange, Junior-Senior Capstone project, and Senior Presentation of Learning.