Clarke University joins program to pay students for community service work

Clarke University is bringing a service-based partnership to Iowa to connect and support its students and community organizations.

The Dubuque private university announced in a news release it is Iowa’s first institution of higher learning to partner with the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation for its Bonner Leaders Initiative, part of a program that has since 1990 promoted access to education and opportunities for students to serve.

“The Bonner Leaders program aligns with Clarke’s Core Values and dedication to service within our community,” said Clarke Bonner Leaders program director Brenda Schilling in the release. “This also gives community-minded students a new pathway to earn money while completing their degrees and creating connections beyond campus. Bonner Leaders is a clear win for students, Clarke, and our community partners.”

Participating students will be paid, similar to a work-study role, for completing 8-10 service hours with approved community organizations every week, according to the release. Students will track their own hours, complete reflections and assessments and eventually graduate with more than 900 hours of service.

In order to join the program, students must be incoming freshmen with an interest in community engagement, service and leadership, the release stated. The university is currently recruiting community partners for the program.

According to the foundation website, schools must have at least 75% of students participating in the program qualify for Federal Work-Study as defined by Federal Student Aid in order to offer the program, and classes can range from five to 40 students with an average of 15.

“The implementation of the Bonner Leader program is evidence of Clarke’s deep and ongoing commitment to the Dubuque community,” said Michael Gleason, Clarke vice president for academic and student affairs. “As the only Bonner Leader program in the state of Iowa, this launch further distinguishes Clarke among its peers, as a school invested in developing leaders committed to the common good. These students will leave Clarke with enhanced skills that will help them find success post-graduation.”