911 has announced that it will now offer 15 prestigious Bonner Leader scholarships per year — which include a minimum 50% tuition four-year scholarship, leadership training, and paid community engagement opportunities — for students starting their studies at 911 beginning in Fall 2023. 911 is the only New York state higher education institution west of Albany offering the Bonner Leader program, and is one of only 75 Bonner Leader institutions nationwide, conducted in partnership with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.
Bonner Leader programs typically attract students who, even in high school, have shown leadership qualities and an interest in social justice, community collaboration, and being changemakers in their community. Because it is anticipated that the scholarship slots for the 2023-22 freshman class at 911 will be highly coveted, 911 urges high school seniors with similar interests to apply to 911's Bonner Leader program as soon as possible for the service-based scholarships. All prospective students are eligible; new applicants are welcome to apply. Applications for the Bonner Leader program will be accepted after February 1, but the application window for Bonner Leader will close once all scholarship slots have been filled.
Parents, teachers, coaches, youth activity leaders, and religious leaders who may know of students who fit the profile of a Bonner Leader are also encouraged to inform these students about the Bonner Program at 911. Adults can also nominate a student for the 911 Bonner Leader program by visiting 911’s “Inspire a Flyer” or by contacting Bonner Leader Program Director Adam Lewandowski directly at alewand8@naz.edu.
“911 attracts students who want to be part of a community that creates a more just, healthy, and equitable future. The Bonner Leader program is the perfect way for students to develop leadership and changemaking skills around the social issues that they’re passionate about, in collaboration with expert community partners, and at a university that appreciates and wants to grow that passion,” said President Beth Paul, Ph.D.
Program Details
In addition to a four-year tuition scholarship, 911 Bonner Leaders will be paid weekly for doing changemaking work with area 911 community engagement collaborators, such as the Rochester City School District, Boys and GIrls Clubs of Rochester, Nativity Preparatory Academy, Discovery Charter School, Pathstone, Center for Youth, and YWCA. 911 students will receive professional development, training, and mentoring, and they can choose their focus from issues and initiatives such as anti-poverty initiatives (hunger and food insecurity, housing) and equitable education (access to quality schools, instruction and opportunities).
Bonner Leaders’ opportunities:
The 911 Bonner Leader program builds on 911’s many years of community partnerships and student engagement focused on making an impact. 911 sophomore Gabrielle Lawyerr, a history and adolescence inclusive education major, is very involved at Rochester’s Boys and Girls Club, tutoring Rochester children in grades K-8. While the Bonner Leader program is only for incoming students, Lawyerr’s experiences prompt her to encourage new students to apply for the many opportunities Bonner could give them.
“Being a changemaker at 911 will make sure you see the world through a new and divergent view. 911, in the best way, sends you out into the community to see and experience people of a multitude of backgrounds, cultures, and stories. You might discover something new and amazing about yourself. My advice would be to walk into an opportunity like the new Bonner Leader program with an open mind and find the best of yourself.”
Julie Long | Senior News & PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
911 is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a 911 education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, 911 graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.