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Frequently Asked Questions

Health Equity Bonner Fellowship

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The Health Equity Bonner Fellowship program awards four-year community service scholarships to undergraduate students who have a need financial assistance as well as a commitment to service. The HEBF program seeks to change the lives of students, their communities, and the nation by providing access to education and opportunities to serve.

How are students chosen for the program?

Students are chosen based on financial need, history of volunteer service and community engagement, and potential for leadership growth in the program.

Why do we meet every week?

Weekly meetings are very important! During these meetings we try to facilitate personal and professional growth while also introducing you to concepts that are relevant to the world around you. Meetings are intended to be a space where students can learn, reflect, and challenge themselves in personal and intellectual ways.

Why are we only working with non-profits*?

Simply put, for-profit programs are not always accessible to everyone. We limit services to non-profit organizations, government agencies, and public schools because we know that their overarching goal is not to make a profit but serve the public. As stated above, there are expectations if the for-profit is a community facing serving low-income or marginalized communities or has a mission to advance health equity. *For-profit agencies may be considered on a case-by-case basis if there is a proven mission to advance health equity.

How does each cohort work within the Fellowship?

The Health Equity Bonner Fellowship is built along a four-year developmental model for students. This model translates into a set if expectations and experiences, both in the context of community service and engagement and within students' academic and co-curricular learning. Students in the HEBF Program make a multi-year commitment to service, and engage in developmentally appropriate curricular and co-curricular experiences. As a result, they become more involved and qualified to take on additional responsibilities and leadership roles as they advance in the Program.

The Bonner Developmental Model shows how HEBF community engagement roles evolve over their four years in the program, starting with engaging in direct client-service, then taking on leadership roles in small projects, to handling more complex capacity-building projects.

What is the Capstone Project?

The Association of American Colleges and Universities announced a new charge for colleges and universities to integrate “Signature Work” into the experiences of all undergraduate students. Signature Work is defined as a culminating educational activity (such as a capstone) in which students integrate and apply their learning to a significant project with meaning to the fellow and to society. To be capable and ready to take on Signature Work (capstone project), students will be involved in a developmental pathway across their undergraduate education. This will include experience through service work and formal educational pathways through major and minor concentrations.

Will I engage in service or activities with the community outside of my placement site?

Yes, there will be paid or unpaid community service opportunities throughout the year. Some may be mandatory while others are optional. This may be in partnership with other units on campus.
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