More Than Bootstraps
Spotlight New Jersey: More Than Bootstraps
News 12’s Della Crews discussed the group’s mission with founder Audrey Fisch and college student leader Nelsie Abreu.
(click picture for video clips)
Interested in Joining MTB?
We currently only serve students who are enrolled in or have graduated from the Passaic Public Schools.
The application for new High School Fellows for 2025-2026 is currently open. This application is open to current sophomores at PASE, PHS, and Prep in Passaic. Priority deadline 5/1/2025.
The application process for new College Student Leaders for 2025-2026 is not yet open.
Current freshmen, current seniors, or current college students are encouraged to indicate their interest by completing the insert form (button below). We will notify you when we open applications.
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.
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.