The application process for the Bonner Scholar Program is competitive and highly selective. Bonner Scholars are chosen from the incoming class of First Year students and each year only fifteen students are selected to join the program. (Sophomore and Junior level students can apply to the program if openings become available. Seniors are not accepted into the program.)

Selection begins with submission of the application. Successful candidates are chosen based upon their commitment to service, demonstrated leadership, scholastic ability and maturity reflected in their application. 

Once applications are received, they are screened by an advisory committee composed of program staff, current Bonner Scholars, selected Berea staff and faculty members, as well as community partners.

From the initial pool of applicants approximately 25-30 semifinalist are selected and invited to campus to learn more about the program and to interact with current Bonner staff and students.
Finalists are selected based on their successful participation in Bonner PreviewWeekend which includes a series of planned group activities, a face-to-face interview , and final consideration of  the  following selection criteria:

• Has secured admission to Berea College **
• Has demonstrated significant community service through school, church, or in the home community;
• Has demonstrated a commitment to making connections between service initiatives and personal as well as academic life.
• Has demonstrated the ability to interact well with others in varied situations.

** Although admission to the Bonner Scholars Program is only to students who have applied for and been offered admission to Berea College, we will accept applications from students who have applied but whose status is still pending at the time of the application deadline.