Program Coordinator: Cindy Frost
Phone: (828) 689-1162
Email: cfrost@mhc.edu

The Bonner Scholars Program, funded by the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, provides students with financial need and a commitment to service with four-year scholarships. Mars Hill College, with its long tradition of service to the region, to the nation, and to the world, is proud to be one of only twenty-seven colleges and universities in the country to participate in the Bonner Scholars Program.

During their four years at Mars Hill College, Bonner Scholars participate in 1400 hours of community-based service opportunities as well as over 300 hours of training, reflection, and leadership development activities. Program participants can earn up to $15,500, including scholarship support, loan reductions, and summer stipends and travel reimbursement for service work. Recent summer service groups have travelled to Yellowstone National Park, Latin America, and Europe.

Read What Bonner Scholars Have to Say About the Program


Coming to Mars Hill this year has helped me to feel closer to nature. I've been able to hike in the mountains and swim in the river, and through the Bonner program, I've hiked mountains of faith and climbed over rocks of cultural barriers in order to help those in need. I'm swimming through the river of life, of hope, of peace, of dreams. I have honestly learned about who I am and about swimming against the current in certain situations. I am happy to say that I am looking forward to another year of Bonner.

I really enjoy working with the kids at the wheel because it gives them the chance to experience a different type of learning...a learning that usually doesn't happen inside of the classroom. It gives them the chance to get their hands dirty, be involved with art, and it forces them to use their creativity. It gives them a place where they can have fun and it doesn't involve a television or a video game.

I have learned a number of things being a Bonner Scholar-things I feel are important in life. I thank the Bonner program for allowing me to meet new people, to see that there are others out there who get as excited as I do about issues that are important to me.

I was working with a fourth grader and all I heard was silence. Each question was met with silence. In exasperation I asked him why he didn't care. He finally answered me and told me the reason he didn't care was that his parents didn't care, that no one cared if he passed or failed. I could not believe it. It wasn't that these children needed help writing; what they needed was for someone to care. Ever since I have tried to show all the children I work with that I care. -Blaise Shaw

When I volunteer at the Fire Department, if I take time to second-guess something because I have fear, it could cost someone their life. I see courage every day with the people I work with-not only in my fellow fire-fighters, but in the little boys on my basketball team who show me courage by stepping up and playing. They keep trying and they give their all. Courage is doing anything and everything despite fear to better yourself or your community.

In my Bonner work I tutor a child who is experiencing reading difficulty. It has been a great opportunity for me to hear my calling - to work with children throughout my lifetime.