Hartman Center for Civic Engagement
408 S. Locust St.
Suite 200
Greencastle, IN 46135
Valerie Rudolph, Director of Civic Engagement and Bonner Scholar Program
vrudolph@depauw.edu
Bonner Scholar Program
“Thanks to the Bonner Program, I am able to continue to do one of the things that I am passionate about in life, service, as well as attend and be able to afford going to DePauw University. My family and I are grateful for the opportunities that this program has given me and we are excited for what the future will bring.” - Carlos Lara-Gonzalez, ‘25
About the Bonner Scholar Program
Since 1992, DePauw University has welcomed 20-student cohorts of Bonner scholars each year with the goal of promoting access to education through opportunity to serve. Through a wide variety of intensive service and civic engagement opportunities during their time at DePauw, Bonner scholars work with communities local to Putnam County as well as those closer to their homes. Prospective students who have demonstrated commitment to service and financial need are selected to become part of the 4-year service-based Bonner Scholar Program. Lateral applications to the Bonner Scholar Program are open on the basis of spot availability in first-year and sophomore cohorts.
“Organizations I have worked for and had to connect with in relation to my assessment and volunteer projects pride themselves on their Bonner volunteers. … I can confidently say that Bonner has been instrumental in my academic and professional experience at DePauw and a net benefit for community organizations that take volunteers on.” - Brandon Collins, ‘23
Bonner Benefits
As a Bonner scholar, DePauw University will meet your demonstrated financial need
Access to professional development opportunities
Opportunities to attend national conferences related to service
Gain professional communication skills
Develop connections with local non-profit and public organizations
Acquire personal growth and a sense of community
Ground yourself in Greencastle and Putnam County
Bond with a like-minded cohort
Further gain personal understanding of systemic injustices.
Becoming A Bonner at DePauw
Eligibility to apply to the Bonner Scholar Program is based on your demonstrated financial need and commitment to service. Commitment to service can be understood as having a solid record of service within your community during high school or as showing strong interest in service while at DePauw University. Interested? Reach out to your admissions counselor to see if you are eligible to apply! For more information click here to be redirected to our “Becoming a Bonner” page.
The Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation
Through sustained partnerships with colleges and congregations, the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals and communities by helping meet the basic needs of nutrition and educational opportunity.