Purpose
The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program provides scholarship awards for some students who are eligible for the free or reduced–price school meals program (FARMs) to attend eligible nonpublic schools. Priority will be granted to students who qualify for FARMs and received a BOOST scholarship award last school year, as well as their siblings.
The Board convened on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m in the State Board Room on the 7th floor of MSDE headquarters (200 W. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21201). For details and a recording of the meeting, visit the BOOST Advisory Board meeting webpage.
This funding opportunity is designed for nonpublic schools registered to operate in the state of Maryland. To be eligible to participate, a nonpublic school must:
Hold a certificate of approval from or be registered with the State Board of Education;
Be approved to participate in the Nonpublic Textbook Program;
Provide more than only prekindergarten and kindergarten programs;
Complete an application to the BOOST Scholarship Program;
Comply with all reporting requirements by the specified date.
MSDE personnel will review program requirements and walk through the application. To attend a session, click on a date below:
BOOST Scholarship Program: Overview for Nonpublic Schools
Wednesday, March 1, 20234:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.View the recording from the March 1st, 2023 Customer Service Support Session
Friday, June 9, 202312:00 - 1:00 p.m.View the recording from the June 9th, 2023 Customer Service Support Session
To be eligible, a student must:
Due to limited funding, the BOOST Program is unable to provide scholarships to all qualified applicants. Priority is given to students who were recipients of a BOOST award in the previous year.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers will be posted here and updated as needed. MSDE will also be offering customer service support sessions. Details coming soon!Contact Robert WancowiczEmail: boost.msde@maryland.govPhone: (410) 767-0443
The amount awarded is contingent upon household income, the academic level of the student, and any financial assistance that the educational institution may extend to the student. The BOOST Advisory Board met in Summer 2023 to determine the award amounts:
Tuesday, May 16, 202310:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
View the recording from the May 16th, 2023 Customer Service Support Session
Wednesday, May 24, 20236:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
View the recording from the May 24th, 2023 Customer Service Support Session
MSDE will hold open office hours on the following days/times. Parents/Guardians can join a virtual meeting to ask questions.
Contact: