Presidential Service Corps Scholarships
Committed to the belief that an education includes both fostering students' intellectual growth and developing them into socially responsible citizens, President Harris created the Presidential Service Corps (PSC) program in 2002. Since then, the PSC has grown to include up to 60 students per year. In 2007, the Presidential Service Corps partnered with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation to further develop student civic leaders at Widener University and form the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leader Program (PSC/Bonner).
The PSC/Bonner Leader program is comprised of 60 undergraduates. Students in the PSC/Bonner Leader program commit to serving 300 hours of community service per year in the city of Chester. In addition, students participate in training and enrichment activities that help them develop skills that propel them along the Bonner Foundation Student Developmental Model. All 60 PSC/Bonner Leaders receive an annual $5,000 award in addition to any need-based financial aid or academic-based scholarships.
The epitome of our core values in action, the PSC/Bonner Leaders are a distinguished group of students who live, learn, and work together, devoting themselves to responsible citizenship and inspiring others to do the same.
To learn more about the program, please visit our wiki page.
The PSC/Bonner Leader application process for Fall 2014 will open in December 2013.
1. Interested students submit an Undergraduate Application and receive acceptance into Widener University.
2. Once identified as the top 10% of possible PSC/Bonner Leader candidates, qualified
accepted students receive an invitation from Widener University to submit a PSC/Bonner
Leader application.
3. Those invited to apply submit the PSC/Bonner Leader application in January 2014
to the Office of Civic Engagement at Widener University. *
4. After reviewing all applications, Widener invites finalists in late January
to attend a PSC/Bonner Leader Interview Experience held in mid-February. Hosted by
President Harris; Widener administrators, faculty, and current PSC/Bonner Leaders
interview finalists and share more about the Widener PSC/Bonner Leader experience.
A reception and information/workshop session allows perspective students and a parent
to learn more about the PSC/Bonner Program from current students.
5. By early March, Widener notifies PSC/Bonner Leader award recipients regarding
their status in the PSC/Bonner Leader program.
* PSC/Bonner Application Details
The PSC/Bonner Leader application consists of a cover letter and resume.
In a one-page, single-spaced cover letter, applicants should communicate why they are applying to the program and why they are an ideal candidate based on their experiences, skill sets, and passions.In a one-page resume, applicants should include their contact information, activities, awards, and community service experiences.
Applicants must submit their completed applications by as one attachment (saved as a PDF file) via e-mail to presidentialservicecorps@gmail.com with "PSC/Bonner Resume" in the e-mail subject line.
For questions on the program, please contact Liz Housholder, Assistant Dean for Civic Engagement, at 610-499-4596 or via email at eahousholder@widener.edu.
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Program Highlight
The 1821 Experience
In this pre-orientation program, you will explore how multiculturalism adds to the college experience and connect with other students on campus.
Program Highlight
Summit Widener
This multi-day backpacking trip, led by members of the Outdoor Adventure Club, offers incoming Widener students a chance to build self-confidence and a social network of like-minded students on campus while having fun in the Appalachian Mountains.
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ELEVATE
This student life leadership program, Enhancing Leadership Experience Via Activities, Training, and Engagement, aka ELEVATE, allows you to build or hone your leadership skills with learning tracks for emerging student leaders.
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Oskin Leaders
The Oskin Leaders program inspires and equips Widener undergraduates to courageously leverage their passion and leadership skills to create significant, positive change.
Program Highlight
PSC/Bonner Leaders Program
This program connects Widener students with a service movement of college students around the country. Students in the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leaders Program complete 300 hours of community service and a variety of leadership activities.
Difference Makers
Continuing Studies
University College student Dale Kerns Jr. established the Little Angels Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support for children suffering from cancer, tumors, and other deadly diseases.
Difference Makers
College of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry Major Anna Miller ‘12, from East Prospect, PA, served as site team leader at CityTeam International in Chester, where she coordinated the efforts of 10 other PSC students.
Difference Makers
College of Arts & Sciences
Anthropology Major Sara E. McManus ’13 has been named a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow, an award that recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.
Difference Makers
Alternative Spring Break
Anthropology Major Jess Viscuso ’12 and Nursing Major Devin Weesner ’13 coordinated Alternative Spring Break efforts for 87 students and faculty and staff chaperones at six locations throughout the U.S.
Difference Makers
Institute of Physical Therapy Education
Doctoral Student Scott Cheney serves on the board of the Society for Student-run Medical Clinics, where he is one of five national directors charged with planning the society’s international conference.
Difference Makers
Widener University
President James T. Harris III has been appointed chair of the Board Directors for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) for 2012–13. Harris has served on the AICUP Board of Directors since 2007, most recently as vice-chair.
Difference Makers
Widener Observatory
Dr. Harry Augensen, associate dean of science and professor of physics and astronomy, helped alumnus Dominic Liberto ’08 arrange a private moment during a public viewing at the Widener University Observatory to propose to his girlfriend, Jenn. She said yes!
