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Bonner AmeriCorps

Bonner Scholars have the opportunity in enrolling in AmeriCorps, a federal program that provides students with educational awards at the end of their term of service. The Bonner Program provides this opportunity as a way to further support the educational needs of its students. Individuals may receive education awards for two full-time AmeriCorps terms in a lifetime. Bonner Scholars have several options when it comes to enrolling in AmeriCorps:

  • 1 year 300-hour term - $1,132 Education Award (a summer of service)
  • 1 year 450-hour term - $1,415 Education Award (Quarter-time)
  • 2 year 900-hour term - $2,675 Education Award (Half-time)

Many Bonner Scholars may choose to enroll in two, 2-year terms.

Some restrictions do apply to the types of service students can participate in under AmeriCorps, such as lobbying, religious or advocacy activities, or international-related service. (A complete list of prohibited activities is available here) However, AmeriCorps members, like private citizens, may participate in lobbying, political, or advocacy activities on their own time, at their own expense, and at their own initiative. (Members may not wear AmeriCorps service gear in such instances.)

AmeriCorps educational awards can be put toward educational expenses, loan repayment, graduate school tuition. A student has 7 years to use the educational award.