The Bonner Foundation is excited to host an in-person 2024 Summer Leadership Institute from Friday, June 7 - Monday, June 10 in partnership with Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.

The Bonner Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) is the largest gathering of approximately 300-400 Bonner staff, students, faculty, field leaders, representatives from national partner organizations, alumni, and others across the Bonner Network.

As one of the institutions that hosts a founding Bonner Scholar Program, since 1992, Oberlin College has established a culture of engagement across their Bonner Program, various campus centers and departments that support civic learning and community engagement. Oberlin’s place-based work is focused in Lorain County, but it also extends to surrounding communities including Cleveland and involves national and international engagement.

Oberlin’s Center for the Engaged Liberal Arts (CELA) comprises a range of offices that help students explore opportunities beyond the classroom. This includes their integrative concentrations, educational pathways that connect coursework with experiential learning opportunities such as high-quality internships, undergraduate research, and community-based projects. Such pathways, which also appeal to students for their post-graduate preparation, enrich student learning with direct practical engagement while allowing students to explore meaningful career options. They address topics like the Arts, Business, Data Science, Education, Food Studies, Global Health, International Affairs, Journalism, Peace, and Conflict Studies.

The Bonner Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Research is Oberlin’s hub for connecting the classroom to communities engaged in social change and public service. The Center supports students, faculty, and staff to partner with organizations, both local and global, on projects of mutual interest that serve the public good. Aligning community-identified needs and interests with student and faculty learning goals, the Center’s opportunities include off-campus employment, internships, winter term projects, community-based research, and of course their namesake Bonner Scholars Program.

In addition, Oberlin has also leveraged the Community-Engaged Learning Initiative to focus on campus-wide institutionalization of community engagement. It is one of just seven institutions participating in the Pathways Project, which aspires to create pathways so that a quarter of graduates have developmental experiences tied to curriculum and co-curricular engagement.

The 2024 SLI conference will highlight the innovative work of Oberlin College and the national Bonner Network through all-group sessions, skill and knowledge-based elective workshops, a networking fair with national nonprofit organizations and graduate schools offering scholarships and special benefits for Bonner students and alumni, networking opportunities over meals and breaks, and social and community building activities for students and administrators.

Tentative schedule

As the meeting approaches, we will add more details about the specific sessions.

Registration

Please see the table below for the registration options and rates. The on-campus registration fee includes 3 nights of lodging, 8 meals throughout the conference, snacks and refreshments during breaks, social activities, and receptions, and all programming costs. For those who wish to stay off off-campus, the registration fee is $235 which includes all of the above except for the housing accommodation. Travel is not included in the registration fee. You will have the option to pay by credit card or to be invoiced by The Bonner Foundation.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Program staff are encouraged to register their full team. If registering individually, Bonner staff, students, faculty, and other administrators should communicate with one another to ensure their campus team is on the same page regarding covering costs for registration fees, travel, and other items before registering for the 2024 SLI.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 1st, 2024.

workshop proposals

We invite elective workshop proposals from those in the Bonner Network, including staff, students, faculty, alumni, Bonner graduate and national partners, and others. We seek workshops that aim to inspire, challenge, and provide models and examples related to the Bonner Program and broader efforts within civic and community engagement in higher education. We are particularly seeking elective workshop proposals on the topics of:

  • Anti-Racism and Racial Justice

  • Bonner Fundamentals (Recruitment, Bonner Leadership Teams, Visibility, etc.)

  • Building Bonner Community

  • Campus-wide Engagement and Institutionalization

  • Career Connections and Post-Graduate Pathways

  • Community-Engaged Learning and Curriculum Change

  • Infusing the Bonner Model Across Campus

  • Making the Case for the Bonner Program and Community Engagement

  • Navigating Institutional and Power Dynamics

  • Social Action and Activism

  • Staff and Faculty Professional Development

  • Streamlining Operations and Program Management

  • Student Leadership Development

  • Models of Student-Led Service Coalitions

  • Supporting Community-Based Research and Capacity Building Projects

  • Wellness and Community Care


The workshop proposal deadline is Wednesday, May 1st, 2024.

Student Keynote Speaker

SLI’23 Keynote Speaker, Keonna Elliott ‘26 High Point University (High Point, NC)

Are you a student who is passionate about service work and performing arts or public speaking? If so, you're exactly the student we're looking for! We're excited to invite applications for our Student Keynote Speaker(s) at this year's 2024 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute National Conference. This event is a fantastic opportunity to share your perspective with a diverse group of student leaders from all over the country.

To apply, you'll need to submit a speech/performance outline and an initiated draft of your speech/performance. This is your chance to demonstrate your creativity, thoughtfulness, and dedication as a Bonner on your campus. We're looking for student speakers who can inspire and motivate other Bonners to take action and continue to make a positive impact on their communities.

Student keynote submission deadline is Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

resume coach sign up

As part of the Networking Fair on Sunday, June 9th at 11:15am, we will be hosting a resume review. Bonner students will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one to get feedback and advice on their resume.

Ideally, we’re looking for Bonner alumni, staff, faculty, or other professionals to be a resume coach.

If you’re interested in being a resume coach during this session, please sign up below.

health & safety information

The Bonner Foundation will follow Covid-19 guidelines set forth by Oberlin College for the 2024 Summer Leadership Institute. Please find the current policies and guidelines below.

Effective September 12, 2022, masks will be optional for campus visitors. Oberlin will continue to monitor CDC and local health guidelines to act in the best interests of our community and campus visitors.

All guests are asked to do a health self-check the day of their visit. Anyone who is not feeling well or who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should refrain from visiting. If you need to cancel your visit, please know that you will not be penalized in the application process. The health and safety of our visitors and staff is our top priority.

We also recommend 2024 Summer Leadership Institute participants to follow the policies and procedures of their home institutions.

travel

The host campus, Oberlin College, is located in Oberlin, Ohio located about 35 miles from Cleveland, Ohio. Campus teams will need to travel to and from Oberlin campus on their own. If possible, we recommend traveling as a campus team.

Oberlin College Address: 173 W Lorain St, Oberlin, OH 44074

flying

For those traveling by air, it is recommended to fly in and out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Cleveland airport is the closest – about 22 miles from Oberlin College.

More information on transportation options to and from Oberlin can be found at this website: https://www.oberlin.edu/about-oberlin/visiting-oberlin/airports-and-ground-transportation

driving

If planning to drive, we recommend carpooling where possible. Parking will be plenty available. Specifics on parking to come.

CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MAP OF CAMPUS

 

HOUSING

on-campus

All attendees have the option for on-campus housing. This option is included in the on-campus meeting registration fee. The on-campus housing is single and double rooms in dormitory-style accommodations in Langston Hall and Burton Hall.

For a modestly higher rate, you may select a single room during the registration process. Single rooms will be available until supply lasts.

Please contact Cliff Davis, Operations Coordinator at cdavis@bonner.org, if you have questions about registration and housing availability.

You may also indicate housing preferences, including roommate(s) in the meeting registration form. There is no guarantee you will receive your housing preferences. The Bonner and Oberlin team will prioritize those with housing needs for accessibility or health reasons before preferences.

off-campus

If staying off-campus, there are options for hotels and Bed and Breakfasts near Oberlin. A comprehensive list of hotels and B&B’s is provided by Oberlin College at this website.

explore oberlin

The historic town of Oberlin and campus of Oberlin College offer lots of things to see and do. The 2024 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute encourages attendees to take advantage of opportunities to explore the Oberlin and surrounding communities.

The Art Museum

Spend as much or as little time in the galleries as you like—a stop at the museum is a must for your Oberlin itinerary. First-time visitors to the Allen often say, “I had no idea you have works by Monet and Picasso here!” The museum offers a range of experiences for people of all ages and interests. And, with a lively program of changing exhibitions, there’s every reason to visit again.

Downtown Oberlin

A day trip to Oberlin reveals the town’s eclectic charm, all within a few blocks: boutiques and cafés, bakeries, bookstores, galleries, an old-time hardware store, vintage thrift stores, and even a movie theater. Summer band concerts, parades, and other community events round out the list of Oberlin activities.

Things to do:

  • Visit Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA ), an independent, non-profit art organization and Oberlin College service site.

Oberlin Team Restaurant Recommendations:

CLEVELAND

While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the city of Cleveland. As the second-most populous city in Ohio, Cleveland has much to offer in the way of art, culture, food, and experiences.

Cleveland is home to University Circle, one of the most culturally dense square miles in the nation. Many of the museums offer free or low-fee admission. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a popular visit in Cleveland. Cleveland Metroparks are said to be some of the best parks in the nation. If you have time, we recommend a trip to Edgewater Beach. If you are a foodie, a few neighborhoods of interest include: Ohio City, Tremont (home of the Christmas Story House), and Lakewood.

questions?

IF YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT...

Liz Brandt, Community Engagement Director, at liz@bonner.org, Ariane Hoy, Vice President, at ahoy@bonner.org, or Jen Gonzalez Reyes, Program Manager, at jengr@bonner.org.