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HOW TO APPLY

Our application process consists of two rounds:

 

Round 1: Initial Qualification

In Round 1, we gather your basic information, including your FAFSA report, top-choice schools, and academic data. While financial need is no longer a requirement, it is still considered. Your FAFSA report provides your Student Aid Index (SAI), and your financial need is calculated by subtracting your SAI from the total cost of attendance for your selected schools.

 

Round 2: Personal Insight
In Round 2, we want to get to know you better. You'll submit responses to essay questions, a list of your activities and work experience, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher.

 

Below are the specific requirements for both the Traditional Bootstraps Application and the Career Training Bootstraps Application.

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TRADITIONAL APPLICATION

The traditional application is for those students planning to attend a college, university, or community college in hopes of receiving a degree.

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TIMING

TRADITIONAL EDUCATION
APPLICATION

The Round 1 application opens December 1 and closes January 31.

 

If you qualify for the Bootstraps program, you will be moved into Round 2 within three business days.

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Round 2 closes February 15.

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*Dates subject to change due to FAFSA delays.

Round 1 - Traditional

Round one requires the following information:

  • FAFSA Submission Summary from the FAFSA - please plan ahead and complete your FAFSA because it can take up to two weeks to receive your FAFSA Submission Summary

  • Your high school transcript - you will request this through the application

  • General information

  • Schools you hope to attend

Round 2 - Traditional

Round 2 requires the following information:

  • One teacher recommendation

  • Information about extra-curricular and volunteer activities

  • Information about work experience

  • Responses to the following essay questions:

    • What are your career goals?

    • Who are you?

    • Why do you deserve a Bootstraps scholarship or loan?

    • Optional question: What else do we need to know about you that could affect our decision?

CAREER TRAINING APPLICATION

The Career Training Application is for those students pursuing a certification, vocational, or trades program.

Calendar Pages

TIMING

CAREER TRAINING
APPLICATION

The Round 1 application opens December 1 and closes January 31.

 

If you qualify for the Bootstraps program, you will be moved into Round 2 within three business days.

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Round 2 closes February 15.

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*Dates subject to change due to FAFSA delays.

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The Career Training Application remains open until the fall.

Round 1 - Career Training

Round 1 requires the following information:

  • FAFSA Submission Summary from the FAFSA - please plan ahead and complete your FAFSA because it can take up to two weeks to receive your FAFSA Submission Summary

  • Your high school transcript - you will request this through the application

  • General information

  • Schools or programs you hope to attend

Round 2 - Career Training

Round 2 requires the following information:

  • One teacher recommendation

  • Information about extra-curricular and voluntary activities

  • Information about work experience

  • Responses to the following questions:

    • What are your career goals?

    • Who are you?

    • Why do you deserve a Bootstraps scholarship or loan?

    • Optional question: What else do we need to know about you that could affect our decision?

CONTINUING LOAN APPLICATION

Our Continuing Interest-Free Loan Program is designed to support students who received a Bootstraps scholarship or loan after their first year of postsecondary education. Since most Bootstraps scholarships are awarded for one year only, this program offers additional financial assistance to help you continue your studies.

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TIMING

CONTINUING LOAN
APPLICATION

Application Window
The application opens on May 1 and closes on June 30.

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Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you previously received a Bootstraps scholarship or interest-free loan during your first year of postsecondary education. The average loan amount is $5,000.

 

Repayment

Loan repayment begins six months after completing or leaving your program of study. All loans remain interest-free throughout the life of the loan.

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Continuing Loan Application

Application Requirements
The process is simple. To apply, you will need to submit the following:

  1. FAFSA Submission Summary: Complete your FAFSA at StudentAid.gov and upload your FAFSA Submission Summary.

  2. Recent Transcript: Provide an unofficial copy of your latest school transcript.

  3. Cost of Attendance (COA): Obtain the COA from your school's website. This includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, insurance, and personal/travel expenses.

  4. Class Schedule: Submit your next semester's class schedule or other proof of enrollment.

  5. Financial Aid Award Letter: Provide your financial aid award letter for the upcoming year from your school.

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