MacDonald Scholars

The MacDonald Scholarship program provides support to students who make a significant commitment to community service. MacDonald Community Scholars are selected each year from the  Bonner Scholarship applicant pool. Scholars take part in 280 hours of direct service, leadership training and enrichment activities each academic year for four years along with Bonner Scholars. 

Beginning the summer of 2026, MacDonald Scholars from the Classes of 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 will be eligible for the same financial supports to complete summers of service and receive a Rising Senior Fund. The summers of service are optional.

Beginning with the Class of 2030, MacDonald Scholars will have the same requirements and financial support for both the academic year and summers.

Guidelines: 

As a MacDonald Scholar, you're part of a community committed to meaningful service and engagement. To maintain your scholarship, there are a few important things you need to know:

Your Annual Requirement
Each academic year, MacDonald Scholars are expected to complete 140 hours of community engagement in both fall and spring semesters.
You will log your hours using the same system (BWBRS) and be held accountable through the same policies and timelines as Bonner Scholars.

Why This Matters
The MacDonald Scholarship is awarded to support your education in return for your commitment to community service. If you don’t meet the 280-hour requirement as evidenced through the logging of your hours, you may be considered out of compliance with the scholarship terms.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete the Requirement
If you don’t fulfill the service requirement:

• Davidson College may recall part or all of the scholarship you received at the end of the academic year. The amount recalled would be proportionate to the number of hours you that are in deficit.

• That amount will be charged back to your student account, which means you would like have a bill on your student account.

Your Responsibility
As with all Bonner Scholars, it’s up to you to keep track of your hours and stay in communication with the Bonner Scholar Program staff if anything comes up that might prevent you from completing your service. We’re here to help you succeed, but it’s important that you stay on top of your requirements.

If you ever have questions that are not answered on this website or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out!