CN Bonner Scholars.pmd - Admissions - Carson-Newman College

Bonner Scholars Program Descriptionat Carson-Newman CollegeCarson-Newman is part of a national network of over 75 colleges and universities affiliated with theCorella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, a non-profit organization in Princeton, NJ, dedicated to“providing access to education and opportunities to serve.” Students admitted to the Bonner programat Carson-Newman receive a package of scholarship support in return for participating in an intensiveprogram of community service, professional skills development, and working for positive change in theworld. Participants are called “Bonner Scholars” or “Bonners” for short.Bonner Scholars imagine a better world and learn to make it so. The Bonner program is about making apositive difference through community service and activism. Being a Bonner Scholar helps the studentearn an education that complements classroom learning with real-life, hands-on experience. Being aBonner Scholar involves a commitment not only to service, but also to learning how to be an effectivechange agent for one’s campus, community, bioregion, and beyond. Bonner Scholars broaden theireducation by being involved in life outside the classroom as leaders, activists, and citizens. Many BonnerScholars integrate travel including international travel into their overall Bonner experience at Carson-Newman.What are the service requirements for a Bonner Scholar?Bonners volunteer an average of 10 hours per week during the school year, which breaks down to eighthours of community service and activism along with two hours of program support involvements. Thiscommitment totals 140 hours per semester. In terms of program support involvements, Bonnersparticipate in activities such as project-based and class-based meetings, community-building retreats,national conferences and regional exchange programs involving other Bonner schools, service-learningtrips, and professional skills trainings and workshops. Bonners also spend some time each weekdocumenting their Bonner work by keeping accurate records of their service and learning. In addition tothe school year, Bonner Scholars mustcomplete at least two summers of service thatinclude stipends for the work and for somesummer living expenses. The summer workcan be done at Carson-Newman, your hometown, or elsewhere, even overseas. Eachsummer’s requirement is 280 hours over atleast seven weeks. An advantage of theonner scholarsBecome the changesummer work is that it can be a paid position over and above receiving the Bonner stipends. ManyBonner Scholars apply their summer expense money to help pay for Bonner-related international travel.Bonner Scholars are matched with one or more local community organizations or projects and set up aregular weekly schedule of service. The service can take a variety of forms including direct service,community-based research, social entrepreneurship, and public policy advocacy. Bonner Scholars cannotcount service that is primarily religious, is performed as part of one’s military duty, or occurs in a forprofitbusiness setting.What are the financial benefits of being a Bonner Scholar?Most Bonner Scholars qualify for need-based financial assistance. Students in the program receive ascholarship package including awards from the Bonner Foundation plus other sources of aid such aswork-study, AmeriCorps, need-based grants and scholarships, and in some cases a guaranteed studentloan. Stipends and living expenses for summer service are also financial benefits of the program, alongwith eligibility for special project grants. The Bonner program seeks to help students graduate with aslittle student loan debt as possible, which can be as little as $0 and in all cases under $19,000, dependingon family financial need. (See the Office of Financial Assistance to determine the exact amounts of aidfor which you qualify.)1

Bonner Award DetailsIn addition to other sources of aid awarded by Carson-Newman to make up the student’s total financial aid package, the followingamounts come specifically from the Bonner Foundation and are awarded only to Bonner Scholars:4-Year Bonner Financial Award When Awarded TotalA. School Year Support $2,500/year $10,000(1/2 fall, 1/2 spring)B. Summer Service & Living Expense Stipend $2,500/summer + $500 for an $5,500optional third summerC. Loan Reduction/Graduate School Grant Credited to lender or graduate $2,000school upon graduationBonner Scholar Award Total $17,500A. $2,500 is awarded per year ($1,250 each semester paid in installments). Installments are credited to the student’s account as longas the 10 hours per week of community service and program support involvements are done on time. Students apply the School YearSupport directly towards their tuition bill or other college charges.B. $5,000 is available for two required summers of 280-hour, seven-week summer serviceplacements (which can also carry a salary, such as summer camp counselor). Each of these twosummers include a $1,500 earning stipend plus a $1,000 living stipend in addition to whateversalary the position pays. The student can choose which two summers he/she wants to do therequired service and can use any leftover living stipend plus a $500 bonus for a third optionalsummer for travel or other Bonner-approved activity.C. $2,000 is awarded at graduation to reduce loan indebtedness (paid directly to the loaninstitution) or to contribute to graduate school tuition within five years of Carson-Newmangraduation.Bonners can also receive financial benefits by participating in Bonner-funded trips and socialactivities and in the form of grants that support their community work and partner organizations.What do Bonner Scholars learn?The Bonner program offers a great opportunity for leadership training and experience. Our motto is“Become the Change,” meaning we seek to embody the changes we want to see in the world, whichwe express in our “Common Commitments.”• Social Justice—Advocate for fairness, impartiality, and equality while addressing systemic socialand environmental issues.• Civic Engagement—Participate intentionally as a citizen in the democratic process, activelyengaging 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 toparticipate successfully and sensitively in a global society.• Diversity—Respect and engage the many different dimensions of diversity in our public lives.2

How do I apply to become a Bonner Scholar?We invite all entering Carson-Newman students to apply. Please start early!! To insure fullconsideration, you must have the following three things completed by the first Monday in March:1. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through our Office of FinancialAssistance. Important: This step requires that you and your family have already filed yourFederal Income Taxes so that you can report last year’s income. We recommend you get thisdone as soon as possible after January 1. (For financial aid information, forms, and help,please contact our Office of Financial Assistance, http://admissions.cn.edu/admissions/finaid/default.asp.)2. Apply and be accepted for admission to Carson-Newman College. We recommend you complete thisstep before February 15. (For admissions information, forms, and help, please contact our Officeof Admissions, http://admissions.cn.edu/admissions/default.asp.)3. Complete and send in all three Bonner Scholar application parts—the general information form, theapplication questions, and the letters of recommendation from non-family persons who canevaluate your qualifications for the program (teacher, employer, coach, minister, etc.). Werecommend you complete this step no later than February 25.Applicants and their families should be aware that financial need plays a role in the students whomCarson-Newman selects for its Bonner program. We can accept 15 incoming freshmen (high schoolseniors) into the program each year. Of these, 13 must meet the Bonner Foundation’s financial needcriteria based upon FAFSA results or FAFSA estimates. Therefore, every candidate must apply forFederal student aid through the FAFSA or one of its equivalents. Our Office of Financial Assistancecan help you get this done if you will contact them (phone 1-800-678-9061 or 865-471-3247; emailfinancialaid@cn.edu). International students who cannot complete the FAFSA should provide otherdocumentation of income and are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please inquire directly to ourBonner office for more information on international student applications.In addition to these application steps, we strongly encourage you to come to campus and participatein the annual “Bonner Scholar Visitation Day” in February. This event allows you to learn about theBonner program from the inside out and also for us to get to know you in person. The Visitation Dayis on a Friday, begins at 1:00, involves doing a service project with one of our community partners,and includes an informal time of having fun with current Bonner students, faculty, and staff Fridayevening after dinner. (See calendar check-list for specific date.)Please note the final deadline of the first Monday in March; by that date our Financial Aid Office mustreceive your FAFSA results, you must be accepted for admission to the college, and our office mustreceive all three parts of the Bonner Application. After that date our Selection Committee meets toselect the next class of Bonner Scholars. While we prefer mailed hard copies, we will accept electronicsubmissions via e-mail to bonner@cn.edu. Mail paper applications to the following address:Bonner Scholars Selection Committee / Bonner Center for Service Learning & Civic EngagementCarson-Newman College / CN Box 72008 / Jefferson City, TN 37760 USAIf you would like more information about the Bonner program at Carson-Newman College, you maycontact us via e-mail at bonner@cn.edu or by phone at 865-471-3594.3

Bonner Scholar Application2009 Calendar & ChecklistWe invite all students planning to attend Carson-Newman College beginning Fall 2009 who areinterested in community service and activism to apply for a scholarship package through theBonner Scholars Program. To become a Bonner Scholar, complete the following actions by theappropriate date. To insure consideration for acceptance, you must have the first three stepscompleted not later than March 2, 2009:File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Carson-NewmanOffice of Financial Assistance. Important: This step requires that you and your familyhave already filed your Federal Income Taxes so that you can report last year’s income.We recommend you get this done as soon as possible after Jan. 1, 2009. Our Office ofFinancial Assistance will be happy to help you get this done on time (please contactthem by phone at 1-800-678-9061 or 865-471-3247, by email at financialaid@cn.edu,or checkout us out on-line at http://admissions.cn.edu/admissions/finaid/default.asp.)Apply and be accepted for admission to Carson-Newman College. We recommend youcomplete this step before Feb. 15, 2009. (For admissions information, forms, and help,please check out our on-line resources at http://admissions.cn.edu/admissions/default.asp.)Complete and send in all three Bonner Scholar Application parts—a brief generalinformation form, the application questions, and the letters of recommendation fromnon-family persons who can evaluate your qualifications for the program (teacher,employer, coach, minister, etc.). We recommend you complete this step no later thanFeb. 25, 2009. The Bonner Scholar Application packet is available by contacting Mattor Karina (see below).In addition to these application steps, we strongly encourage you to come to campusand participate in the annual “Bonner Scholar Visitation Day” on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.This event allows you to learn about the Bonner program from the inside out and alsofor us to get to know you in person. The Visitation Day is on a Friday, begins at 1:00,involves doing a service project with one of our community partners, and includes aninformal time of having fun with current Bonner students, faculty, and staff Fridayevening after dinner.If you would like more information about the Bonner Scholars program at Carson-Newman College, assistance in applying, or registering for Visitation Day, please email usat bonner@cn.edu or contact one of our friendly staff:· Mr. Matt Cheney, Bonner Scholar Coordinatoro 865-471-4315 / mcheney@cn.edu· Ms. Karina Fox, Administrative Assistanto 865-471-3594 / kfox@cn.edu

Carson-Newman Bonner Scholars ApplicationINSTRUCTIONS: To apply for scholarship support as a Bonner Scholar, you must apply and be accepted foradmission to Carson-Newman College; provide documentation of family income and financial need through theFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or its equivalent*; and complete the Bonner ScholarshipApplication consisting three parts: (1) General Information (2) Application Questions and (3) RecommendationForms (a minimum of two and a maximum of three). While we prefer mailed hard copies, we will acceptelectronic submissions via e-mail to bonner@cn.edu. Mail paper applications to the following address:Bonner Scholars Selection Committee / Bonner Center for Service Learning & Civic EngagementCarson-Newman College / CN Box 72008 / Jefferson City, TN 37760 USADeadline for completion and receipt of all materials for consideration is the first Monday in March.General InformationFull Name _____________________________________ Preferred Name _________________________________________Social Security Number ___________________Birthday ________________ Gender ____________ Race/Ethnicity __________________Home Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Phone Numbers _______________________________Email Address______________________________________Father’s Occupation ________________________________ Mother’s Occupation ___________________________________Who else in your immediate family has completed college? ____________________________________________________________Family Income Information: EFC* (Estimated Family Contribution*) __________________If pending, check here ____High School______________________________________ School Location_______________________________________________Academic Records: GPA ______ ACT ______ SAT______Application QuestionsPlease respond to the following questions. Your answers should be typed or handwritten very neatly on a separatesheet (or sheets) of paper.1. Service Activities—Please list your experiences in community service or activism in the following categories:a. Special Events and Short Term Service Projectsb. Ongoing Weekly or Monthly Service Commitmentsc. Significant Family Responsibilities (if applicable)d. Summer Service2. Making a Difference—Describe in detail one experience in community service or activism in which you’ve spent a significantamount of time, and which you’ve found particularly rewarding and significant. Describe this activity in some detail,explaining what you did, why you did it, and how it made a difference in your life and in the lives of others.3. Diversity—Bonner Scholars value diversity of all kinds (racial, cultural, religious, etc.) in their program and their communityservice and activism. Please describe an experience you have had that has made you more aware of the diversity in ourworld. What makes this particular experience important?4. Social Justice—Many problems plague our world. The Bonner Scholars are committed to working for social justice as well asengaging in acts of compassion. Describe a social justice issue you feel strongly about and explain ways you have orwould like to be involved in addressing that issue.5. Challenges—Can you describe any hardships or obstacles you feel you have had to overcome in your life? Is there anythingelse you’d like for us to know about you?6. About You as a Bonner Scholar—Every year, we are able to select only about 20% of our total applicants. Please tell us whyyou would like to be in this program and why we should select you as a Bonner Scholar.______________________________________________* Number calculated from completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact FinancialAssistance Office for help and the answer to any questions (phone 1-800-678-9061 or 865-471-3247 or emailfinancialaid@cn.edu).

Carson-Newman Bonner Scholars ApplicationRecommendation FormName of Applicant: _______________________________________________________Name of Person Filling Out this Recommendation: ____________________________________________Briefly describe your relationship with the applicant and the capacity in which you have known or worked with the applicant:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The student named above is applying for the Bonner Scholarship at Carson-Newman College. The Bonner Scholars Program seeks to rewardand continue a student’s community service and civic engagement experiences. We seek students who creatively reach out to others, and whoexhibit a variety of traits and abilities listed below. Please compare this applicant with other young persons with whom you’ve worked andrate the applicant on a scale of 1 to 100, 100 being your highest recommendation. A rating of 75, for instance, would indicate that theapplicant is “better than” 74% of his or her peers in that particular area. Please be candid, and wherever possible, give comments whichprovide evidence or examples of the applicant’s capabilities within that area. Note: if you do not know this applicant well enough to speak tothe majority of these traits, please ask the applicant to have someone else fill out this form.1. Responsibility and Punctuality: Does the applicant take tasks seriously and follow through on them? Is the applicant always present andon time?Rating: ________Comments:2. Sense of Compassion and Outreach to Others: In what ways has this applicant reached beyond herself or himself? In what types ofcommunity involvement has the applicant participated?Rating: ________Comments:3. Positive Attitude & Enthusiasm. Does the applicant exhibit a positive attitude? Does the applicant tend to criticize others and find faultwith his or her peers? How is this person a positive group member?Rating: ________Comments:(over)

4. Leadership and Initiative. In what ways does this applicant demonstrate a sense of initiative? Would you consider this person a selfstarter,or does this applicant need to be told what to do and then monitored? How has this person demonstrated leadership abilities?Rating: ________Comments:5. Trustworthiness and Maturity. Is the applicant a person of integrity, sound judgment, and honesty? Is this person a good or positive influence onhis or her peers?Rating: ________Comments:6. Teachability and Scholastic Abilities. Is the applicant interested in challenging himself or herself with new learning opportunities? How teachable isthis person?Rating: ________Comments:7. Expression and Creativity. Does the applicant express himself or herself well? In what ways would you consider this person creative?Rating: ________Comments:8. Special Talents and Extraordinariness. In what ways is this student special or extraordinary in comparison with her or his peers? Does thisapplicant exhibit any special talents or traits?9. Additional Comments: Is there anything else you would like for us to know about this applicant?To discuss this applicant over the phone, please call the Bonner Scholars Director at 865.471.3594.Please mail this form by Feb. 25 to Bonner Scholars Office, CN Box 72008, Jefferson City, TN 37760.