Opportunity Bonner Application

Opportunity Bonner 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 the information on the Carson-Newman Center for Community Engagement (CCE) scholarship programs page fully 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.

We only review Opportunity Bonner applications as spots become available. If a spot is available and your application indicates that you could be an ideal candidate, the Center for Community Engagement will extend an invitation to interview via your Carson-Newman email. These spots are limited to specific cohorts, so it is possible that we have spots available in one academic cohort but not another.

Due to limited slots, current seniors and current juniors will not be eligible for entry into the program. Eligible classes for opportunity spots (if available) are limited to students who will complete at least 2 years in the program.

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 Center for Community Engagement's office at aaycock@cn.edu or 865-471-4315.

* 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 University?*

This scholarship application is for students who are currently enrolled at C-N or transfer students who have been admitted to C-N.

If you have filled out the transfer 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.

Do you plan to enter the Bonner Scholars Program in Spring 2026, or in Fall 2026?*

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

Undergraduate Cumulative GPA*

What is your major? (Undecided is OK)*

The Bonner Scholars program aims to recruit students based upon demonstrated service experience and academic ability. We value every geographic, economic, and cultural background, and no candidates will be excluded on the basis of their immutable characteristics (age, ethnicity, sex, etc.)

FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI)
Please report below your SAI from the 2025-2026 FAFSA for Spring 2026, or your 2026-2027 FAFSA for Fall 2026.

If you cannot complete the 2025-2026 or 2026-2027 FAFSA, please visit this aid estimator and complete the steps below: 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 link above will open in a new tab.

What is your estimated SAI Amount?*

Service Experience

Please provide information about the following service opportunities in which you have participated.

Please list any/all short term service projects or events that you have participated in since your first year of high school:

Please list any/all ongoing weekly or monthly service commitments:

Please list any/all significant summer service experiences:

Do you have any extraordinary family responsibilities? If so, what are they?

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?*

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.”