Are you a Maryland parent looking to provide your child with the best education possible, but concerned about the costs of private schooling? The Maryland BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program might be the solution you've been seeking. Keep reading to delve into what the BOOST program is, who is eligible, and how it can benefit your family.

What is the BOOST Program? The BOOST Scholarship Program provides scholarship awards for students who are eligible for the free or reduced–price school meals program (FARMs) to attend eligible nonpublic schools. Priority is given to students who qualify for FARMs and received a BOOST scholarship award last school year, as well as their siblings. During the 2023-2024 school year, scholarship awards were granted to nearly 3,000 low-income students, benefiting families across Maryland. These scholarship awards are sent to participating nonpublic schools in 18 jurisdictions across the state.

Purpose of the BOOST Program The purpose of the BOOST Scholarship Program is to provide scholarships to low-income students to attend participating nonpublic schools in Maryland, broadening their educational options and opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for Students To be considered for a scholarship award, students must meet the following criteria:

Will be in grades kindergarten – grade 12 in the 2024-2025 school year
Are enrolled (or plan to be enrolled) at a participating nonpublic school for the 2024-2025 school year
Meet the income eligibility to qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FARMs). FARMs eligibility is determined through the application review process, where parents/guardians submit their Federal 1040 tax returns for the prior year.

Eligibility Criteria for Nonpublic Schools Participating nonpublic schools must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the BOOST program, including:

Holding a certificate of approval from or being registered with the State Board of Education
Being approved to participate in the Nonpublic Textbook Program
Providing more than only prekindergarten and kindergarten programs
Complying with all BOOST reporting requirements by the specified date

Use of Scholarship Funds BOOST Scholarship awards must be deposited by participating nonpublic schools and applied to the student’s tuition account. These funds can only be used for tuition and fees and may not be used for transportation or meals. Additionally, the award may not be transferred to another student.

The Maryland BOOST Scholarship Program offers valuable financial assistance to low-income families seeking to provide their children with a quality education in participating nonpublic schools. By understanding the eligibility criteria and how the program works, parents can take advantage of this opportunity to broaden their children's educational options and ensure a brighter future. To learn more about the BOOST program and how to apply, visit the Maryland State Department of Education website.