Thirteen College of Charleston Bonner Leaders will travel to New Orleans over winter break to work with nonprofit organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS issues. In just the past two months, the students (16 total) have completed 1,900 hours of service and leadership training. The Bonner Leaders Program is in its second year at the College and has already helped dozens of nonprofit organizations in the Charleston area.

“I have learned how to see the big picture in every issue,” says Shanell Ransom, a freshman at the College. “With a one-day service project most people are unable to see the causes of the problem. In the Bonner Leaders Program, having a service site helps me to analyze the cause of problems and work to find a solution. I have met numerous people who care about the community as much as I do.”

The Bonner Leaders program offers students four-year scholarships that pair real-life work experiences in area nonprofit organizations with powerful leadership development training and education that help students transition from volunteers to leaders in their community.

This year, Bonner Leaders are working in many different nonprofit organizations and focusing on various social justice issues. Several students are working with after-school programs tutoring, designing lesson plans, teaching entire classrooms and serving as mentors to children in the Charleston area.  Other Bonner Leaders are planning events, working with affordable housing issues, designing websites, and creating publicity for area nonprofit organizations.

“Through Bonner, I have made new friends, gained new insight into different issues around the Charleston area, and learned more about the world of nonprofit management,” says Jessica Branton, a sophomore majoring in sociology and secondary education. “I have also learned to continue to put myself in positions that are not within my comfort zone and expose myself to a variety of people and environments. I have to communicate with professionals in my nonprofit, as well as the children I teach. I am constantly learning about time management and classroom organization skills that can benefit my future career as an educator.”

The Bonner Leaders will be planning the second annual Engage and Empower awareness week for the College of Charleston. During the week there will be a series of five student-planned awareness events that focus on different social justice issues. The campus community will not only learn about a variety of important issues, but also help Bonner Leaders as they develop into leaders.

For more information, contact Stephanie Visser at 843.953.5854.