PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE CORPS

The Bonner Program is designed to heighten the overall education students and members receive by asking them to engage in ongoing service work and helping them develop the experience, skills, knowledge and values necessary to make that work meaningful and lasting.
 
Campuses in the Bonner Leader Program have each designed innovative models that use federal work-study funds, Americorps Education Awards, and institutional support to create scholarship stipends for students involved in community service as part of the Bonner Program.
 
Students are expected to serve and volunteer in their local community to make an impact by improving educational opportunities and supporting community programs that focus on literacy issues, mentoring, and nutrition/anti-hunger initiatives. Students must also participate in regular training and reflection activities sponsored by their campuses, their community partners, and the Bonner Foundation.

Bonner Leaders Program hold these commitments: Social Justice, Civic Engagement, Spiritual Exploration, Diversity, International Perspective, and Community Building.  To find more information on the Bonner Leaders Program and the Bonner Foundation go to www.bonner.org.

Civic Leadership & Community Service

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." 
         --  John F. Kennedy 

Committed to the belief that an education includes both the fostering of intellectual growth and the development of students into responsible citizens, President Harris created the Presidential Service Corps (PSC) program. The PSC is a group of motivated students who have exhibited leadership skills, success in intellectual and academic pursuits, and a passion for making positive contributions to society through their service volunteerism.

Students selected for PSC have a track record in civic leadership and community service.  Members come from different social backgrounds and academic environments, but they share important personal qualities: a strong work ethic, leadership ability, willingness to help others...and the desire to have fun!  It's a program that provides financial aid and invaluable social experiences that will last a lifetime.

Led directly by President Harris and Professor McCormick, Executive Director, the PSC program is coordinated with the Office of the President.  PSC leaders have opportunities to gain skills that transfer to the "real world" while serving their campus, local, regional, and global communities in powerful ways.

The Presidential Service Corps is a unique scholarship program that includes:

• Educational Award
  First-year students who are invited to join the Presidential Service Corps are eligible for PSC leadership awards of $5,000 per year, in addition to any need-based financial aid or academic-based scholarships. 
• Community Service Experiences
  The PSC participate in local, national, and international community service projects.   Among the many local and national projects organized by the PSC, Alternative Spring Break reaches out and spans many different states nationwide.  Numerous PSC members recently participated in an international trip to Bolivia.  These experiences help to broaden their skills in a variety of settings.
  
• Support, Guidance, Mentoring, Resources, and
  Leadership Development
  The PSC learn and work  with a community of other PSC members who share a similar level of commitment to service. The PSC receive guidance from the President's Office and from committed and experienced Widener faculty and staff.