Access to Education Commitment to Serve

Program One Sheet

Student Highlights »

The Maryville College Bonner Scholars program is designed to give students who have been very active in community service during high school the opportunity to continue serving others while in college as part of a scholarship. Fifteen incoming freshmen are chosen each year based on an application and interview process. Each Scholar is required to volunteer at a non-profit organization for 10 hours each week during the academic year, and complete 280 hours of service during two summers. The scholarship provides students with a base grant of $3,000 plus a matching grant the meets a student’s financial needs with a cap on loans. Scholars also receive a monthly stipend during the academic year, and a stipend during their summer of service.

The Bonner Foundation

The Maryville College Bonner Scholars Program is part of a nationwide program connected to the Bonner Foundation in Princeton, NJ. Bonner Scholars in every program engage in training and reflection on the various placements at which they volunteer. The diverse network is tied together by six Bonner Common Commitments.

Social Justice

  • Advocate for fairness, impartiality and equality while addressing systemic social and environmental issues.

CIVIC Engagement

  • Participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic process, actively engaging in public policy and direct service.

Community Building

  • Establish and sustain a vibrant community of place, personal relationships and common interests.

Spiritual Exploration

  • Explore personal beliefs while respecting the spiritual practices of others.

International Perspective

  • Develop international understanding that enables individuals to participate successfully and sensitively in a global society.

Diversity

  • Respect and engage the many different dimensions of diversity in our public lives.


Local Volunteer Placement

Maryville College Bonner Scholars give thousands of hours every year at a variety of community agencies in Blount County and the surrounding areas. Below are a few examples of the many organizations that our Scholars currently serve at.


Further Information

For more information about the Bonner Scholarship, please visit the Office of Financial Aid page for details, and other scholarship opportunities. Bonner Scholar Applications are due on February 1st of each year.