The Bonner Program
The Bonner Program
The Bonner Program is a unique leadership development program for students with an interest in service and social responsibility.
The Bonner Program is offered through W&L's Shepherd Department which works to understand and address the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in ways that respect the dignity of every person. Students are given a framework to be involved in community service while receiving financial support.
In addition to the financial support through federal work study, there are ample benefits in terms of leadership development, professional development, and intentional connections between academic and community engagement. Our students generally have some of the most robust resumes among recent graduates.
The Setting
ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ is located into the Shenandoah Valley in Lexington, Virginia. Our campus is surrounded by the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountain ranges. We are just a few hours drive from major cities, including Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia.
The Experience
The Bonner Program at Washington and Lee is one college chapter out of more than 67 colleges and universities within the wider, national Bonner Foundation. Bonners are expected to participate in the Program all four years at ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡, completing 1800-hours of service and leadership training.
Community Partners
ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ Bonner Scholars work on site based teams with our Community Partners. These Partners work closely with their Bonners providing professional development and increasing levels of responsibility over their four years together.
Academics
Bonner Program
Marisa Charley
- P: 540-458-8131
- E: charleym@wlu.edu
-
Mattingly House
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450
ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ Stories
ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ students share their experiences getting to know the larger Lexington and Rockbridge community during the summer months.
Sai Chebrolu ’26 and Valentina Giraldo Lozano ’25 are among 13 students chosen for the Zero Hunger Internship program.
Ben Bankston ’25 is finding opportunities at ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ to challenge himself in and out of the classroom.
The 2023-2024 academic year at ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ saw the proliferation of several new course offerings for students through a new faculty development initiative offered by the Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL).
Washington and Lee students are applying their accounting skills in the community as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ is one of 15 private colleges and universities to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.
The professor of cultural anthropology will serve a dual role leading Community-Based Learning and the SHECP Consortium.
Students in the Williams School consulted on a number of projects including marketing, research and social media strategy for businesses and organizations.
Elrod serves as the university advisor to the program that supports clients in navigating the required steps toward obtaining or reinstating a driver’s license.
Washington and Lee students gain new perspectives after internships through the Shepherd Program.
ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ neuroscience students recently partnered with an innovative art-making program offered at Kendal at Lexington.
CBL’s new initiative is an opportunity for faculty development, student collaboration and deepening partnerships with the surrounding community.