Use the Bonner Scholarship Application link above and your Rhodes College application portal email address and password to access the Bonner application.
The Bonner Scholarship is a four-year community engagement and leadership program for students committed to service, social impact, and long-term community partnership. Bonner Scholars at Rhodes serve alongside nonprofit organizations, schools, and community partners throughout Memphis while developing leadership, professional, and civic engagement skills.
Benefits
- The scholarship meets 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA and institutional financial aid review process.
- A stipend of up to $1,500 per semester based on fulfilling the weekly service requirement
- Up to $4,500 for each of the two required “Bonner Summers of Service,”
- $500 available to rising fourth-year Bonner Scholars to support a senior project or post-graduate preparation.
Each year, Rhodes selects approximately 15 students for the incoming Bonner cohort. Scholars participate in sustained service placements within the Memphis community throughout their four years at Rhodes, along with leadership development, cohort experiences, and service-focused programming.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Bonner Scholarship Program, applicants should:
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement and service
- Be eligible for need-based financial aid
- Have a FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI/EFC) under $15,000
A limited number of applicants with SAI/EFCs between $15,000–$30,000 may also be considered.
Application & Selection Process
Students applying through Early Action or Early Decision receive priority consideration for the Bonner Scholarship. Students are encouraged to apply prior to December 1st as available scholarship seats may be filled prior to January. However, students are welcome to apply for the Bonner Scholarship at any stage of the admissions process.
Selection is competitive and based on a combination of:
- Financial need
- Commitment to service and community engagement
- Leadership potential
- Application materials and interview process
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received for the Bonner Scholarship program, response times may be slower for applicants who are not moving forward in the interview and selection process. We appreciate your patience and interest in the Bonner community at Rhodes College.
Funding for this program is provided by the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.