20th anniversary celebration of national service scholarship program through June 6 at Berea College.

6/03/2010

Through June 6 at Berea College, the Bonner Foundation will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bonner Scholars Program, which provides tuition scholarships based on students high school service and requires continued service activities in college. Berea was selected as the site of the anniversary celebration in part because it is the home to the first Bonner Scholars Program in the U.S., in 1990.

Almost 500 Bonner administrators and students, along with more than 25 college and university presidents have gathered on Berea’s campus for the event. Highlights include a banquet and special entertainment, including an introduction to a regional favorite, contra dancing. Following the anniversary celebration, the Bonner students and administrators will participate in the program’s annual Summer Leadership Institute (SLI). During the SLI, the participants will listen to plenary speakers, present and attend workshops and panels (on sustainability and leadership, as well as other topics), share best practices, and network. Other Berea Bonner Scholars will lead service trips for approximately 60 Bonners who choose to do 1 ½ days of service in Eagan, Tenn., Louisville, or with the Berea Community Food Bank and City of Berea Parks and Recreation.

Over the last 20 years, the Bonner Scholars Program, along with the similar Bonner Leaders Program, has spread to over 80 colleges and universities around the country. As Bonner Scholars, students perform at least 10 hours of service. At Berea College students satisfy this requirement through their jobs in Berea College’s work-study program in which all students participate, as well as other service activities.

CONTACT:

Meta Mendel-Reyes, Director of Berea College Center for Excellence in Learning Through Service
(859)-985-3940 (CELTS).
Meta_mendel-reyes@berea.edu