Mission
The mission of More Than Bootstraps (MTB) is to build a community of first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students who empower each other to access and succeed in higher education. Only 9% of FGLI students earn a college degree by age 24. MTB addresses systemic barriers that may prevent underrepresented students from enrolling in and completing college by building on the strengths of our students. High school juniors and seniors are mentored by "near-peer" college students (graduates from their community who are currently enrolled in a range of institutions). In guiding their younger peers as a mentoring cohort, our college student Leaders solidify their own college-going success. Supervision and support for students are also provided by Program Resource Fellows and Social Work Interns.