July 8-20, 2018
A collaboration between the CELR Center, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and TCNJ’s Office of Summer and Winter Programs, the Summer Bonner Fellows Program provides a two-week college-simulation experience, combining academics with community engagement. This is the 8th year TCNJ and Bonner have facilitated this program.
This year, 23 students ages 15-18 participated in the program. Students were enrolled in either Sociology 101, taught by Dr. Diane Bates, or History 177, taught by Dr. Robert McGreevey. All participants earned 4 college credits in their class, which can be transferred when they attend four-year institutions in the future. All students also received educational workshops and lectures by TCNJ Professor Eileen Heddy, who discussed environmental sustainability and food security.
Most participants served every day at the Academic Sports Academy Summer Camp, run by retired NBA player and TCNJ Hall of Famer Greg Grant. Here, they worked with elementary and middle school children on academic instruction, as well as helped facilitate recreational activities such as kickball and basketball. Other participants served at a variety of environmental and food security based sites throughout the Mercer County area, such as the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, the TCNJ Campus Garden, and Capital City Farms.
Outside of academics and service, participants enjoyed field trips to Philadelphia, Grounds for Sculpture, and evening trips to Insomnia Cookie in Campus Town! Students also engaged in workshops and discussions based around college and career preparation. Most importantly to the teens, they bonded with each other throughout the two weeks and plan to stay in touch with one another for a long time.
For more information about the TCNJ Summer Bonner Fellows Program, visit https://precollege.tcnj.edu/courses/bonner-summer-fellows/program-details/
