Our Program

The Bonner Program at Rider was established in 1999. For the past 25 years Rider Bonners have served at numerous non-profit organizations based in Trenton. Previous Community Partners include: El Centro, Every Child Valued, HomeWorks Trenton, and More!

Learn About Our Current Community Partners

Four Cornerstones

First Year Trip

The First Year Trip, a key part of the Bonner Scholar Program, lasts 4 days during spring break. Focusing on service, it includes meetings with community residents and agency representatives, enhancing students' development as servant leaders. By visiting different regions, like urban areas for rural campuses, campuses deepen relationships by returning to the same location each year.

Sophomore Exchange

The Second Year Exchange in the Bonner Program connects programs nationwide, promoting civic engagement. Hosted annually at different institutions for 1-2 days during sophomore year, it features networking, service, and training sessions with a diversity focus. Students' active involvement builds professional skills, fosters belonging, and enhances leadership abilities.

Junior Rejuvenation

The Junior Rejuvenation offers students a dedicated day of wellness, reflection, and renewal. Centered on their Bonner journey, this experience encourages juniors to pause and assess their personal growth, community impact, and evolving goals. Through guided activities and peer dialogue, students explore their past experiences while setting intentions for their academic and professional future. Serving as a moment of introspection and clarity, Junior Rejuvenation supports sustained engagement and prepares students for the transition into senior leadership and post-college pathways.

Senior Presentations of Learning

Senior Presentations of Learning encapsulate students' journeys, showcasing service experiences and personal growth. They underscore service's impact and skill development for post-graduation success, highlighting the program's commitment to nurturing socially conscious individuals prepared to enact positive change in communities and beyond.

Bonner Learning Outcomes

All Bonner Weekly Meetings

At the weekly meetings we complete trainings and activities based on the Bonner Learning Outcomes established by the Bonner Foundation. These weekly meetings are required for all Bonner Leaders.

Trainings & Enrichment Events

New Bonner Orientation

New Bonner Orientation is required for all first-year Bonners and takes place prior to beginning service. It is a collection of trainings and activities to get to know each other and learn more about the program.

All Bonner Kick-Off

Kick-Off is the first event of the year and is required for all Bonners. It is designed to meet the other members of your service site and learning about the expectations of the year.

Winter Retreat

The Winter Retreat is required for all Bonners and takes place before spring classes begin in January. It is mean to be a welcome back from break, with workshops and activities.

End of the Year Celebration

The End of the Year Celebration is the final event of the year, we give out the Bonner awards and superlatives. We have breakfast together and say our final goodbyes.

Bonner Bonding Events

There are several Bonner Bonding Events throughout the year, they are fun off and on campus trips and events so Bonners can interact and build bondings even if they serve at different sites.

Opportunities

Bonner Congress

Bonner Congress is a gathering of about 150 student leaders from across the 75+ schools in the Bonner Network. Each Bonner Program selects two student leaders as Bonner Congress Representatives to attend and represent their programs. Bonner Congress Representatives help support the quality of their programs and campus-wide engagement by engaging in leadership training, discussion, networking, and planning on key initiatives. Bonner Congress Meeting sessions often focus on improving students’ knowledge and skills, equipping them to mobilize their peers and to develop innovative ideas for enhancing their program’s and campus’s social impact.

National Bonner Summer Internship

Each year, the Bonner Foundation offers an eight-week paid internship at their Princeton, NJ office. Interns gain professional experience through training, mentorship, and working on key projects, with a focus on planning and implementing the Bonner Summer Leadership Institute and Bonner Congress. Interns also contribute to communication, alumni engagement, leadership development, and community-based learning initiatives. The internship runs from May to July, offers a $5,000 stipend, and includes a housing allowance or coverage based on the intern's status as a Bonner Scholar or Leader.

Rider Bonner Summer Intern

Each summer, 2-3 Rider Bonners participate in a paid internship at Rider University, where they help complete the Annual Bonner Report and prepare for the upcoming academic year. Their tasks include planning and implementing events such as New Bonner Orientation, the Kick-off event, Winter Retreat, and organizing topics for the weekly all-Bonner meetings.

Summer Leadership Institute (SLI)

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

Campus-Wide Initiatives

We operate numerous campus-wide initiatives! We have established two Rider-based service sites, six Engaged-Learning Programs, one-day service volunteering as part of the Rider Service & Civic Engagement Office. Offered as an opportunity to gain one engaged-learning point upon completion. We strive to be the face of service across our campus.

On-Campus Service Events

Rider Service Sites

The Rider Resource Pantry offers a range of non-perishable food items, personal care products, and school supplies for students in need, now including fresh fruits, dairy, and eggs. Additionally, students can borrow microwaves or mini refrigerators for up to one academic year, helping to alleviate financial burdens.

Since 2018, Rider University and Gourmet Dining have collaborated with Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, delivering thousands of dietary-specific meals weekly to homebound individuals facing food insecurity.

Engaged-Learning Programs

These semester engaged-learning programs are all based around one issue in the community, ranging from disaster relief organization to hunger awareness.

Rider Votes aimed to promote civic engagement at Rider University by facilitating participation in the 2024 Elections. Student volunteers lead initiatives covering voter registration, education, and voting, empowering students to make informed decisions both on campus and in their home communities.

The End Hunger Advocates program combines online learning through the Hunger Academy with community action, fostering engagement among students. Through live discussions and virtual volunteering opportunities students connect, learn, and serve in the fight against hunger.

The Medical Reserve Corps mobilizes volunteers locally to enhance community health and safety nationwide. Students receive eleven weeks of training from Mercer County officials, gaining certification in various areas including Disaster Preparedness and Psychological First Aid, with credentials transferable across MRC communities in the US.

One-day Service Opportunities

These one-day service events are available to all Rider students and occur more than once a semester. We invite you to volunteer for a day. Official dates and sign-ups are coming soon!

The Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps is a biannual volunteer event dedicated to cleaning and protecting New Jersey's beaches and waterways. Since its inception, volunteers have removed millions of pieces of debris, highlighting the issue of pollution. This community-driven effort not only improves local beaches but also contributes to global conservation initiatives, making it a cornerstone event for environmental stewardship in the region.

TASK combats hunger and builds community by providing nutritious meals and support to individuals and families in Trenton and surrounding areas. With an open-door policy, they aim to create a welcoming environment where everyone can access the resources they need to thrive.

St. Francis Inn is a compassionate ministry in Philadelphia dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 1979, it has provided hot meals, clothing, and essential services with dignity and respect. Volunteers help prepare and serve meals, distribute clothing, and offer support to guests. The Inn's holistic approach addresses immediate needs and promotes long-term stability and hope.

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