Become a Fellow

You’re passionate about service and getting involved in the local community. Bonner Fellows are engaged 8-10 hours a week with a local or regional organization for 3-4 years. This is a distinctive, paid opportunity to serve as an active, long-term contributor to the Carlisle community. Internships cut across diverse issue areas (climate, food security, housing, criminal justice, education and youth, etc) and develop specialized roles unique to their interests and skills (e.g. Data Analytics intern, Development and Communications Project Assistant, Historical Preservation and Storytelling Intern, Criminal Justice and Reentry Program Assistant). 

You’re to have a meaningful student employment opportunity as soon as you start college. The CEF program is a paid position that is the only other employment open to 1st year students besides working in Dining. Students are paid hourly beginning at $9.85/hour and increase each year. 

You’re looking for your community. Join a cohort of six and a program of 25+ other student leaders committed to service, community, and social justice. You’ll have ample opportunities, including orientation, to build deep connections with peers across class years with shared values and commitments. Furthermore, you’ll join the Bonner National Network of over 25,000 alumni and 3000 active students at a time across 60+ colleges and universities. 

You’re aiming to build your professional skills and networks. Take up this unique opportunity to explore your career interests through hands-on work experience and leadership development. All Bonner Fellows complete a multi-year internship and participate in an academic credit-bearing civic leader curriculum, including opportunities to present your work at national conferences and the Experiential Learning Showcase. 

“This internship has helped me feel confident in my decision to pursue law school and specifically juvenile law/advocacy. The opportunity to see if I can handle the emotional turmoil that comes with juvenile court has been invaluable.” Reeti Rawal ’27, Political Science 

“Seeing familiar faces at the Farmstand (whether it’s regular clients, volunteers or working with Valarie) has been very meaningful because it builds trust and a sense of community. The Farmstand isn’t just about distributing food; it’s a space where relationships grow through small, consistent interactions. It’s shown me how important it is to simply be present for others.” Aavani Joshy ’28, Data Analytics 
 
“Civic engagement to me is listening and connecting. I value what people have to say about their community. Supporting organizations that I know serve their communities with kindness and empathy feels necessary, as local organizations and grassroots give me hope. While I am just one individual, I think if everyone opens their hearts and gives everything they possibly can for their community and neighbors, great change can be provoked by that power of people.“ Valerie Larsen ’27, Environmental Science 

Student Snapshots of Bonner Community Engagement Fellows: 

CCLA and Center for Career Development Host Experiential Learning Showcase to Connect Classroom and Community (features snapshots of four Fellows) 

Claire Choplick ’26 (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, with a minor in Sociology): Tacking Cancer and Food Insecurity 

Indra Sokhomsan ’26: Learning to Empower Others through Education 

Sadie Dussault ’28 (Undeclared): Purpose and Belonging 

Internships Light Pathways Toward Nonprofit, Advocacy, Education Careers (features snapshot of Grant Donta-Venman ’28, American Studies) 

Student Snapshot: Michelle Cao '25 (Environmental Science and Data Analytics) 

Student Snapshot: Tiara McKinney '25 (Spanish and Portuguese) 

Participation in the Bonner Community Engagement Fellows Program requires:  

• Commitment to participate for 3-4 years (study abroad/away allowed), provided successful requests for renewal from both the student and partner supervisor. 

• Completion of 6-10 hours per week of service with a community partner in Carlisle, for a total of approximately 280 hours a year. 

• Participation in the CCLA Student Orientation, a two-day experience with all members of the program. Please note that this required training is prior to the start of the academic year and will permit students to move in early. 

• Participation in mandatory educational program that bears academic credit (1 credit, conferred 0.25 credits at a time). These meetings are typically on Thursdays from 12-1pm, at least 2x month. Exact schedule to be shared if selected. 

• Completion of all program assignments, including three reports throughout the year, reflection papers, and presentations at the annual Experiential Learning Showcase on a topic and team of your choice, connected to your work. 

• Completion of clearances (background check) as required for some sites 

• Maintenance of a minimum 2.5 GPA 

• Adherence to academic and behavioral expectations as stated by Dickinson College's Community Standards (maintenance of good standing with the College)  

2026 Bonner Fellow Application Cycle

• Who is eligible? As of 2026, only incoming first year students and rising 2nd year students are eligible to participate in the Bonner Community Engagement Fellows program.
• Do you have to have federal work study? No, both federal work study and non-federal work study students can apply. However, given our funding structure, students eligible for federal work study funding are prioritized for positions. If you are unsure of your FWS status, please reach out to the financial aid office to inquire (finaid@dickinson.edu). 
• Can international students apply? Yes. Students are paid through Dickinson College while working at organizations in Carlisle, which is allowable under student visas. For questions on this, visit the Student Employment page.  
• How many hours do you work? 8-10 hours per week on average: 6-8 hours per week at your organization and 1-2 hours per week on campus in training during the semester. Work during breaks and between semesters is not expected. 
• Did you change the name of your program? Yes, the program has evolved over the years since its inception in 2003. Previous names of the program included “Montgomery Service Leaders” or “Community Engagement Fellows.” The current name change to include the “Bonner” is a return to the original program model at inception and a reaffiliation with the national Bonner network and all of its benefits, including national partners, graduate school partnerships, national gatherings, and more. 
• What is the schedule? Hours at community host placements vary depending on student class schedules and organization needs. Some organizations have set hour needs (for example, after school programs), while others are more flexible. Most students set a schedule and adjust as needed based on organization events as well as academic needs (exam schedules, etc.). Additionally, Fellows attend weekly meetings during common hour on Thursdays as well as a few annual training events on campus. 
• Is it a paid position? Yes. Students work paid hours at their placement and during training on campus. Wages begin at $9.85/hour and increase each year of participation.
• How long is the program? Students accepted into the program participate for all entirety of their Dickinson experience—three years for rising second years and four years for incoming first year students.
• Can you be a Bonner Fellow and study abroad/away? Yes. If studying abroad during their time in program, students are expected to complete the program upon returning to campus. There are options to remain engaged in community while studying abroad or away.
• What is the work like? Work looks different at each placement and evolves over the student’s time there. In many cases, students begin helping with administrative tasks as they learn about their host organizations, then specialize and take on projects as they gain more experience. 
• I have other questions! Who can I ask? Feel free to get in touch with us via email and set up a time to chat, in person or remotely.