More Than Bootstraps
MTB Graduation and College Signing Day Celebration
On May 17, students, families, and board members celebrated Graduation and College Signing Day. The event was generously hosted by Passaic County Community College and the Coordinator of Admissions and Financial Aid Services at PCCC, Maritza Davila. Actor and guest speaker Jessica Marie Garcia offered words of wisdom to our students and families.
(click picture for video highlights)
More Than Bootstraps has published a new impact report that highlights our fourth year of operation. The report describes how MTB works and provides numerous testimonials highlighting the power of near-peer mentoring, the importance of stipend support, and the benefits of our family outreach efforts.
Interested in Joining MTB?
We serve students who are enrolled in or have graduated from the Passaic Public Schools (PASE, PHS and Prep).
The application for new High School Fellows for 2025-2026 is closed.
Current high school freshmen are encouraged to indicate their interest by completing the interest form (button below). We will notify you when we open applications (around March 2026).
MTB Internship Opportunities
Credit: Madz O'Brien and Nicole Segura
Founded by educators who understand the significant obstacles that first-generation college students face on their journey into and through higher education. To succeed, they need More Than Bootstraps.
VISION: A world in which every young person has access to and support for success in higher education.
MISSION STATEMENT: More Than Bootstraps builds a community of first-generation, underrepresented students who empower each other to access and succeed in higher education.
The MTB strategy for creating a scalable community of success is based on four components: near-peer mentorship, financial assistance in the form of stipend support for program participants, family engagement, and wellness and self-care.