Bonner Program

What is the Bonner Program?

The Bonner Program is part of a national network that provides students with paid opportunities to develop as leaders and have positive impact on their communities. Through self-reflection, leadership skills training, and the development of sustained, reciprocal partnerships with community organizations, students acquire real-world skills that position them for fulfilling careers and lives of impact.

Bonners carry tree in the forrestBonners served in Waipio Valley to assist in environmental preservation.

Who are the Bonner Leaders?

Bonner Leaders are students enrolled at the university who commit to paid positions of 8-10 hours per week which includes leadership training and on-site work with community organizations. Bonner Leaders are committed to the program for their 4 years of study (2-3 years for Academic Year 2022-23).

Bonners serve food in KitchenBonners co-created a project with Hope Services where they collaboratively planned and prepared meals for our community.

Bonner Leader Applications for Fall 2023 are now open!

Eligibility

  • Entering Freshmen in any area of study
  • Passion for working with the community
  • Interest in leadership development
  • Priority will be given to first-generation college students and those with Federal Work Study (FWS) awards

The Bonner Program logo mortarboard with heart

Commitment

  • 8-10 hours per week of paid work including:
    • Attending leadership workshops
    • Providing service at community organizations
    • Working with a team to develop a 4 year Bonner Program

How to apply to be a Bonner

Priority Deadline: Monday, May 1, 2023

  1. Apply to be a student at UH Hilo
  2. Complete the FAFSA (Double check that you have answered 'yes' to the FAFSA Question: "Are you interested in being considered for work-study?")
  3. Complete the Google Form Application
  4. Submit a resume to uhhcce@hawaii.edu with the subject line: Bonner Leader Resume
  5. Wait for email on interview date/time
  6. Complete Interview
  7. Wait for decision notice

Contact Us

(808) 932-7830

uhhcce@hawaii.edu

(808) 932-7831

Portable Building 5

Website

Email us

Or visit us on the UH Hilo Campus in PB-5.