Happy November - Thank you for reading!
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Hello MTB Families,
We hope you are having a great start to November! 🍂 Please keep reading to find out about key announcements and upcoming events for this month.
| | Congratulations to Guadalupe! | | |
Huge congratulations to high school senior Guadalupe, who has been named a QuestBridge finalist. We wish her all the best in the next stage of the process, where she will have the opportunity to “match” for a full scholarship (including room and board, books, and travel expenses) to one of her selected schools. Congratulations as well to Guadalupe’s mentor, Nelsie, who has been supporting Guadalupe on this journey.
Guadalupe joins Kelmys, who matched with Duke last year through QuestBridge.
Our juniors will have the opportunity to apply to be a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar in the Spring.
| | Ashley is an HSF Scholar! | | |
Ashley, a former MTB High School Fellow, College Student Leader, and now a Program Resource Fellow, has been named an HSF Scholar. This prestigious award is open to all students who identify as “being of Hispanic Heritage.” Applicants can be current high school or college students who will be attending a 4-year college.
HSF Scholars have access to a range of services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training. Career services include access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners. The award typically also includes a scholarship ranging from $500-$5,000.
We congratulate Ashley on this recognition of her academic success and leadership and encourage other MTB students to reach for this award. The scholarship program typically opens in January.
| | Meet the Team and Learn about our First Family Full Group Meeting | | |
Get to know the Social Work Interns of More Than Bootstraps through our new introduction video! Hear from each of us as we share who we are and our goals for supporting MTB students this year.
To watch the video in Spanish, please fast-forward to the 4:57 mark.
As stated at the very end of our video (10:35 mark), we’d love for you to join the conversation and connect with us at our first Family Full Group Meeting on November 22nd at 10 am or 23rd at 4 pm!
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I am a Bonner Leader Program Fellow working with More Than Bootstraps this year. I am a first-generation freshman at Montclair State University, majoring in physics. I am originally from Hawthorne, New Jersey.
I joined the Bonner Leader Program in early August, looking to cultivate a sense of community and leadership as I pursued college away from home. The program requires that I attend a week-long orientation each summer, accumulate at least 300 volunteer hours each year, and complete the Leadership through Civic Engagement minor.
As a first generation student, I understand the duality of the college application process: while it is exciting to look into a new chapter of life, it is, at the same time, stressful, confusing, and scary. With this, I understand the importance of More Than Bootstraps and am happy to have the opportunity to provide a substantial impact to the organization through community service!
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My name is Mark, and I am a first-generation student, born in the U.S. to a family that immigrated from Ecuador. I am currently a junior at Montclair State University pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Economics.
As a first-generation student, higher education has always represented more than just academics. It’s an opportunity to open doors for myself and my family while setting an example for others in my community. My experiences have taught me the value of perseverance, hard work, and staying connected to one’s roots.
I’m passionate about learning how economic principles can be applied to real-world issues, especially those that affect underrepresented communities. Outside of class, I enjoy getting involved in programs that promote leadership, service, and personal growth, such as the Bonner program here at Montclair.
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The Bonner Program is a community engagement and leadership program that gives students the opportunity to make a real impact while earning their college degree. Through the Bonner Leader Program, students commit to meaningful service each week with local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations addressing issues like education, food insecurity, sustainability, and social justice. The program helps students grow as individuals and connects their college experience to purposeful action in the real world.
Bonner Programs exist at many colleges and universities in different configurations. At Montclair, Bonner Leaders receive a $5,000 stipend and $1,100 scholarship each year. The scholarship can be used to offset both tuition costs and non-tuition costs like transportation and books.
| | Because of what’s going on with SNAP, we have invited students in MTB to submit their November stipend survey early. Feel free to encourage your student to ask for their November stipend NOW. | | Stay Connected on WhatsApp | | |
We want to make it easy for families to stay connected and informed. Join our MTB WhatsApp group to receive quick updates and reminders directly to your phone. It's a great way to support your student throughout the year.
Also, we will share the links to the financial literacy sessions so make sure you join by clicking below!
| | There's no such thing as a stupid question. Ask anything and everything by going to this form. Don't be shy! Ask a question » | | Question: What Have the High School Students Been Working On? | | |
Question: What have the juniors been working on?
Answer: Interviews
The juniors have been conducting interviews with first-generation college graduates in a range of fields. They will share their takeaways at the next Full Group Meeting.
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Question: What have the seniors been working on?
Answer: FAFSA!
Seniors have been learning about and working to complete their FAFSA applications for the 2026-2027 school year.
| | Coming Soon - Mark Your Calendar! | | |
Our third Full Group Meeting is coming up! Students are expected to attend one of these dates:
- Saturday, November 15 | 10:00-11:00am OR
- Sunday, November 16 | 4:00-5:00pm
Attendance is mandatory.
| | Thank you for being here! | | |
Thank you so much for being part of the MTB community. See you in November!🦃
-The MTB Team
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