Bonner Scholars Application 2026

Bonner Scholars Application

Once you begin this application you will not be able to save your work. We suggest saving the link to this page and utilizing a separate document to write your essays and then copy-paste them into the application when you are ready to submit.

Students admitted to the Bonner Scholars program at Carson-Newman receive a scholarship package in return for participating in an intensive program of community service and servant leadership development, with Christ as our ultimate example. Participants are called “Bonners” for short.

Read and follow the instructions carefully prior to submitting your application. Read fully the information on the Carson-Newman Center for Community Engagement (CCE) scholarship programs page before applying. Selected applicants will be invited for on-campus or video conference interviews.

If selected, you may be asked for documentation to support the data you provide. Likewise, all correspondence and award agreements will be generated from the personal information submitted below. So, please use proper spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

To learn more about the scholarship programs at the CCE, please visit our website at www.cn.edu/academics/center-for-community-engagement/

If you have more specific questions, please contact the Coordinator of Learning and Events, Rachel Rogers, at rrogers1@cn.edu, or by phone 865-471-4743.

We are currently accepting applicants for the 2026 Fall Semester. Any current High School seniors looking to attend Carson-Newman in Fall of 2026 are encouraged to apply.

* Indicates required question

Acknowledgement

Please acknowledge that you have read and understand the application overview above, and tell us how you heard about the Bonner Scholars Program.

I have read and understand the overview. *

Yes

How did you hear about the Bonner Scholars Program at Carson-Newman?*

This scholarship application is only for students who have been admitted to Carson-Newman University. Please visit www.cn.edu to apply prior to filling out this application.

If you have filled out the application, but are waiting to be officially accepted. Please indicate the date your application was filed below and continue filling out the application. Your application for this scholarship program will only be considered once you are accepted to Carson-Newman University.

Have you been admitted to Carson-Newman University?*

Yes

Contact Information:

First Name*

Last Name*

Preferred Name*

Birthdate*

Gender*

Email Address

Phone Number*

Mailing Address*

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Demographic Information:

If you need to share any additional information about your academic history, please contact Rachel Rogers at rrogers1@cn.edu with your name and any additional information.

Which semester do you expect to begin attending Carson-Newman?*

What is your planned major? (Undecided is OK)*

Year of High School Graduation:*

What is your expected Carson-Newman graduation date? (the date you would be finishing your degree at Carson-Newman)*

High School Name:*

High School Address:*

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI)
Your Student Aid Index from the 2026-2027 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
The FAFSA for 2026-2027 is open now. File here before continuing: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Applicants who have not completed the FAFSA or are unable to complete the FAFSA should provide an estimate by using this website: https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/
1. Click 'Start Estimate'.
2. Fill out financial information carefully.
3. On the results page, scroll down to "Estimated Student Aid Index (SAI)."
4. Copy and Paste the estimated SAI below.

The links above will open in new tabs.

What is your estimated SAI Amount?*

Essay Questions:

Please answer the following prompts. Aim for 1-3 paragraphs per prompt.

Describe a time when you served with a church, non-profit, school, or other community. How did you impact others through your service, and how did serving them impact you?*

Tell us about someone who inspired you to lead and serve others.*

Describe why service is important to you in the context of Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."*

Additional Comments: Is there anything else you would like us to consider as we review your application?

Extracurriculars:

Athletic Involvement: Which varsity/intercollegiate athletic teams would you commit to at Carson-Newman University?*

Are there any other extracurricular activities you hope to be involved in during your time at Carson-Newman that you would like us to be aware of?

References:

References may be called to verify information stated in an application, give character reference, or answer other questions related to the applicant's ability to succeed as a Bonner Scholar. Please ask the individual for permission before listing them as a reference. Please do not list family members as references.

Reference #1

First and Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone Number.*

What is your relationship to this reference?*

How many years have you known this person?*

Reference #2

First and Last Name*

Email Address*

Phone Number.*

What is your relationship to this reference?*

How many years have you known this person?*

E-Signature:

By signing your name below, you are agreeing that all of the information in the application is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. You are acknowledging that this is your original work (not generative AI), and that you have completed this application on your own behalf. You are also acknowledging that you are required to self-disclose your Student Aid Index (SAI) and that your SAI will be used for the sole purpose of applying for the Bonner Scholarship at Carson-Newman University.

Please type your full First and Last Name *

Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”