Bonner Leader Program Start-Up Guide

Making Connections

Step 4: Connecting to the Bonner Network

Currently, there are more than 65 campuses participating in the Bonner Scholars and Bonner Leader Programs. This diverse consortium and has come to be a hallmark of the Bonner Program and is an important resource for campus administrators, students, and community partners. It is a network that shares best practices, collaborates on new initiatives, and is committed to building community among Bonner Programs around the country.

Each summer the Bonner Foundation organizes an orientation workshop for new Bonner Scholar and Bonner Leader Program Directors. New program administrators can expect to learn about the history of the Foundation, how to implement the program on your campus, and how to report information to the Foundation.

The Foundation brings program staff together at the following annual meetings:

• Bonner New Directors and Coordinators Orientation (end July/beginning August)
• Fall Bonner Director & Coordinators Meeting (November)
• Fall Bonner Student Congress Meeting (November)
• COOL Conference (early/mid March)
• Bonner Summer Leadership Institute (begininng of June)

There are a number of other initiatives that allow Bonner Programs to collaborate:

• Bonner Student Congress
• Bonner Alumni Network
• Bonner Partners

Finally, there are several current and past funding initiatives available to participationg campuses:

• FIPSE Civic Engagement Certificate Project (current)
• Bonner Connection (current)
• Community-Based Research Project (past)
• Micah 6 (past)

Step 5: Campus Visit from Foundation Staff

The staff at the Bonner Foundation maintains regular communication with participating campuses through weekly email updates, conference calls and campus visits. We strongly encourage program administrators to keep the Foundation updated as to what is happening on your campus. The Foundation staff is available for campus visits. Often, programs invite the staff for planning meetings, orientations and retreats, special events and/or to meet with other campus administrators.

Please feel free to request consultation when developing your Student Development Plan.