The PSC/Bonner Leader program provides a unique and transformational opportunity to link service with a Widener student’s undergraduate experience. PSC/Bonner Leaders grow intellectually, socially and professionally by stepping outside their comfort zones and learning from experiences through service and leadership development programs. Activities of PSC/Bonner Leaders include:
Project LEAD Freshman students who are selected for the PSC/Bonner program are invited to campus early to participate in Project LEAD, a five-day pre-orientation program that focuses on civic engagement and leadership. Students will have the opportunity to do service, learn about the City of Chester, explore Philadelphia, bond as a team, and develop a unique project based on their first experiences as a college student. International Service Trip to Jamaica, March 2011 In March 2011, President Harris traveled to Jamaica with ten students and two PSC/Bonner program coordinators for a week of service. The Widener group partnered with Christian Services International’s Project RAISE which is committed to sustainable projects to improve life on the island. The group worked hard all week to build a new goat house and pen so that CSI’s current herd can grow. Once doubled, the herd will be split and half will be given to a community member who has learned how to herd goats, thus creating a new profitable career. This process will be repeated again and again to help stimulate the local economy. At the end of the week, the group had a free day to enjoy the sites of beautiful Jamaica and even climbed a waterfall! Every PSC/Bonner student will be offered a chance to attend an international service trip during his or her time in the program. Relay for Life Relay for Life at Widener University began in 2009. A student-driven initiative, the event raised $23,000 for the American Cancer Society in its first year. Over 500 participants across campus are engaged in yearlong fundraising and events that culminate in April with an overnight camp-out and walkathon. In its second year, Relay for Life became a student organization and increased fundraising by 37% and on campus participation by 50%. North Star Sports League The brainchild of two PSC/Bonner Leader student athletes, North Star Sports League partners with Stetser Elementary School’s afterschool program to coach students in different sports while teaching them leadership and communication skills. Now in its second year of operation, North Star Sports has obtained club status at Widener and supported by the Widener Office of Civic Engagement. Holiday Food and Toy Drives Each year PSC/Bonner Leaders help City Team ministries with their annual food and toy drives for the holiday season. The work on campus to raise awareness and funds for the extra need around the holidays and directly with City Team to organize and deliver gifts to families around Chester. Each year a portion of the PSC/Bonner Leader end-of-semester party is dedicated to sorting the gifts donated by the faculty and staff. Tree Planting with the Chester Shade Tree Commission During the Fall and Spring, PSC/Bonner student who work with the Chester Shade Tree Committee regularly organize students across campus and community members to help with large scale strategic tree plantings across the city of Chester. Intended to beautify and aid the city environmentally, PSC/Bonner Leaders have been instrumental in the planting and pruning of trees.