About the Bonner Leader Program
At Washburn University, making a difference is not something that you have to wait to do. The Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement believes that all learners who step foot on campus have the potential to be the leaders and changemakers of both tomorrow AND TODAY.
The Bonner Leader Program combines this belief with the Washburn University motto, "Not for Ourselves Alone," and puts it into practice with community-based experiences, mentorship, and training and enrichment activities as members progress through a developmental model of civic leadership. Bonners respond to the economic, social, and environmental challenges affecting the quality of life in the city of Topeka and beyond to ensure the existence of thriving, just communities for all. They learn by engaging with Aleshire Center faculty, their peers in the program and the community to gain critical skills that positively impact them as a student, a neighbor, a professional and a citizen. The program challenges and supports Bonners to take their passion for an issue and put it into action by working with co-educators in the community to address their identified needs through both direct service and capacity building.
The Bonner Leader Program at Washburn is part of a larger Bonner network of colleges and universities supported by the Bonner Foundation in Princeton, NJ, which also provides national opportunities for students during both their time in the program and after graduation.
Benefits of being a Bonner
Scholarships & wages
Opportunities to earn an hourly wage and/or scholarship money for your community engaged work.
Firsthand experience
Gain experience and knowledge about the community and the world that connect back to your academic studies.
Deeper understanding
Gain a deeper understanding of the seven common commitments of service: civic engagement, community building, diversity, international perspective, social justice, personal development and wellness.
Connections & friendships
Connections and friendships with other members of the Washburn and Bonner communities who are committed to the same issues as well as increased local and national networks and resources.
Civic leadership
Work collaboratively with the community members and organizations to positively impact a social issue or for the public good.
Official recognition
Two designations/accomplishments that appear on your transcript: (1) the university honor of Bonner Leader and (2) the Washburn Transformational Experience in Community & Civic Engagement.
Become a Bonner!
Bonner eligibility criteria
- Have three or more years of undergraduate education remaining when starting the program in August
- Desire to enroll at Washburn University in the upcoming academic year
Participation requirements
- Available Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for regular All Bonner and Cohort Meetings
- Make consistent annual progress towards 1,000 total hours of community service and training before graduation
- Attendance at
- Aleshire Fall Kick-off (mid-late August)
- Spring Kick-off (late January)
- Spring Celebration (late April)
Application timeline
- April 10, 2026 – Early Admission Deadline for Current Washburn Students
- July 17, 2026 - Early Admission Deadline for Incoming/Transfer Students
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until capacity is reached
GET IN TOUCH WITH the Aleshire Center
Location
Plass Learning Resource Center
Room 217
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
785.670.2000
aleshirecenter@washburn.edu
Request Information Form
