Dear Donors and Advocates,

I wish I could say it has been an easy year. It hasn't been. Nevertheless, our students have continued to hold fast to their dreams of higher education. We couldn't be more excited to share our latest updates and some of their many achievements with you!

Celebrating College Signing Day and College Graduations

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.

Check out some highlights of Graduation and College Signing Day by clicking on the image below.

College Commitments

Over the last two years, our high school students have been mentored by their older peers, College Student Leaders from Passaic currently enrolled in college. With the help of their “near-peer” mentors, these fifteen graduating Fellows gained confidence, communication, and leadership skills; navigated the world of college applications, financial aid, and scholarships; and communicated their goals to their families.

• Alex Hernandez-Reyes, Rutgers University, New Brunswick 

• Alexa Perez-Cuahtepitzi, Montclair State University

• Alison Britney Ramos, Montclair State University

• Anyelo G. Cruz, Stevens Institute of Technology

• Ashley A. Reyes, Vassar College

• Chris Carpinteyro, Montclair State University

• Disha Nidhi Rana, Stevens Institute of Technology

• Kelmys A. Gil-Alvarez, Duke University

• Germallery Villar, Montclair State University

• Jesus Gonzalez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

• Richard Valdez,Moravian University

• Rose Mary Vergara, Felician University

• Yalmary Sanchez-Nunez, Rutgers University, Newark

• Yasmel Castillo, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

• Yimardy de la Cruz Valdez, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

MTB congratulates all 15 of our graduating high school seniors on the hard work that has culminated in these impressive college commitments.

College Graduations

Congratulations to Guadalupe - QuestBridge College Prep Scholar

Guadalupe is currently a high school junior at Passaic Academy for Science and Engineering (PASE).

Guadalupe is MTB’s second QuestBridge College Prep Scholar. Last year’s MTB QuestBridge finalists, Jailene and Ashley, just completed their first year at Seton Hall University and Cornell University, respectively. High school senior Kelmys, named a QuestBridge Finalist in 2024, will attend Duke University in the fall.

Graduation Cap Contest

MTB Welcomes New High Schools Fellows and College Student Leaders

We will welcome our largest group of students in 2025-2026. Consider a donation today to help us support our 15 returning, rising senior High School Fellows, 22 new, rising junior High School Fellows, 19 College Student Leaders, and 2 new Program Resource Fellows.

"I hope to gain a sense of support and a sense of community with others. I believe that this organization might be helpful in terms of my journey and applying to college. I know that my journey may be overwhelming, and having mentors who understand the challenges and can offer advice can be helpful and would mean a lot. I think that this organization could help me build confidence and feel a sense of community and not being alone as I take on the college process and prepare for my future."

Thanks for helping us continue to grow the number of students we support!

2023-2024 Impact Report

In case you missed it, please check out our Impact Report and read about our successes in 2023-2024. We are very proud of what our students have achieved, with the support of our board, volunteers, and donors! Read the report »

Audrey Fisch, Ph.D., President, More Than Bootstraps

audrey@morethanbootstraps.org | (908) 397-0893

Do you know someone who would like to know about More Than Bootstraps? Please help us connect with them! Share their name and email or phone number with us and consider making a warm introduction for us. Help us grow the MTB community!

MTB was 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