Improving Bonner

First and foremost, the Bonner Program needs to come through on any outstanding commitments to endow Bonner schools that excel. It is necessary to make sure a solid foundation is laid with the current Bonner programs across the country. Once that is done, it is important to spread the Bonner name to other parts of the country. Bonner programs are clustered in the northeast and south along the AT. There are too few programs in the Midwest and even fewer across the West. The Bonner model is something that can be exported across the country. Teaching a life of service learning, community and civic engagment, and taking ownership of and pride in one's community is the best means by which community growth occurs.