Since 1992, 草榴成人社区 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 草榴成人社区, 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 the first-year and sophomore cohorts.
Becoming a Bonner Scholar involves dedicating at eight to ten hours each week to community service through an internship with a local nonprofit. Scholars will also participate in two hours of personal, professional, and leadership training alongside fellow scholars each week. Every year, around 20 nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies host Bonner Scholars, providing essential support and mentorship throughout your experience.Additionally, students will enhance their professional development skills through the NACE Career Competencies, focusing on areas such as career and self-development, effective communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professional development, and technology proficiency.Students will develop these crucial skills while working alongside our local and global partners.
Current projects and partners include
Providing social services and supporting case management in Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), Beyond Homeless Incorporated, and Family Support Services.
Tutoring and mentoring youth within the Putnam County School Cooperation and YMCA.
Supporting mental and physical well-being at the Putnam County Hospital and Mental Health of America.
Advocate and educate on civil rights and social justice on behalf of marginalized communities.
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Hear From Our Bonner Scholars |
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“The Bonner Program drives members out of our comfort zones, building skills that are integral to our future careers. I have personally improved my social, professional, and leadership skills and feel very capable of starting new projects that help benefit our local community. I also feel that the Bonner community itself is incredibly tight- knit; members genuinely care about one another. Without Bonner, I would have never been able to meet such amazing individuals, within the program itself as well as in the Greencastle community.” - MICHAELA TROUTMAN, '26 |
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“Bonner has helped me with some of the financial aspects of college while also giving me the opportunity to get more involved in the community that I will be a part of for a long time. Thanks to Bonner, I’ve learned that importance of service, as well as being in a group of people who are willing to go out into the community and become the change we wish to see. I would recommend the Bonner Program to anyone and everyone.” – RUBEN MUNOZ ’26 |
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“As a Bonner Scholar, I've had the opportunity to work with the Greencastle community and make a tangible impact in people's lives. From helping at a local soup kitchen to tutoring children after school, I've learned that service is not just about giving back but also about building meaningful relationships with those around us. Through the Bonner Program, I've also learned valuable life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills have not only made me a better person but also prepared me for life beyond college. And perhaps most importantly, the Bonner Program has given me the chance to pursue my dreams without having to worry about the financial burden on my family. I can now focus on my studies, my service, and my personal growth, knowing that I have the support of the Bonner community behind me." - KHUE TRAN, '25 |