Frequently Asked Questions

Bonners receive four stipends each semester. 

• • The first stipend is a $500 book stipend (it is not required that the stipend be used for books)  that Bonners receive at the beginning of the semester, upon completing a check-in meeting with program staff. 

  • The next three stipends (in the amount of $250) are processed when a Bonner has logged 30-, 80-, and 126-hours respectively, among meeting other specified requirements (hours signed by Bonner, CLA hours signed by site supervisor, CLA proposed/active, & service accomplishments logged). Starting in approximately the 4th week of each semester, Bonners will have the opportunity to have a stipend requested by BSP staff if all specified requirements are met. Approximately every two weeks following, there will be another opportunity to meet requirements to have previously unearned stipends requested.

Bonner Scholars Program staff will provide Bonners with a schedule outlining deadlines and stipend requirements each semester.

For information on how to complete your CLA, click here.

Finding a service site can always feel a little daunting. Here are some strategies for how you can get started with your search:

• 1. Narrow down your interests and research opportunities within Oberlin that might match those interests

  2. Talk to Bonner Scholars Program staff about your options. Additionally, talking to other Bonners, especially people that might have worked at the sites you’ve shortlisted is very helpful!

  3. You can talk to the Director of Education Outreach Programs at the BCSL. The BCSL coordinates the application process for several programs such as America Reads and Ninde, which are great tutoring and teaching opportunities.

  4. The BCSL also offers opportunities through the Community Service Resource Center

  5. Going to the ExCo fair at the beginning of the semester is always a great idea! There are some Community-Service ExCos offered each semester such as Girls and Boys in Motion, and FAST.

  6. Visit the Community Service Resource Fair which takes place on Wilder Bowl at the beginning of the Fall Semester!

Email bwbrs@oberlin.edu with your questions/concerns. 

Fill out the Position Request Form. Do not change positions directly through BWBRS.

Yes it is! Bonners have often found and chosen to work at service sites outside of Oberlin. If you have an Ohio driving license, you may register with the College, and rent BCSL cars for free in order to get to your service site. For more information on how to go about this process, check in with BCSL’s Administrative Assistant, or with Bonner Scholars Program staff.

If you feel like you are not going to be able to complete your hours, check in with Bonner Scholars Program staff as early as you can in order to figure out how best to proceed.

Most definitely! The BCSL coordinates the Community-Based Work Study Program (CBWSP) to allow students to receive Work Study for community service. To learn more about the program, check in with the CBWSP Director in the BCSL.

Bonner Scholars are allowed to log 20% of their hours for training and enrichment. This equals 28 hours each semester.

1. Log onto BWBRS

2. Click on hour logs

3. Click on Report

4. Scroll down to see if your site supervisor has signed your hours