Application Process

Awards from the BRSAF are need-based, and are provided to support the achievements, goals, and aspirations of graduates and alumni of the Boothbay Region High School.

To apply for a grant from BRSAF, students must complete the FAFSA form. Information about the FAFSA is available on the US Department of Education's website at www.studentaid.gov

Did you graduate in 2020 through 2025? If so, you may be eligible for Maine‘s free community college program. The free college program provides 100% of tuition and mandatory fees after the application of other federal and state grant aid for students at Maine’s seven community Colleges. Note that it does not pay for books and supplies, housing, transportation, and other additional non- mandatory fees. A BRSAF grant may be able to help with this unmet need. Information about the Maine free community college program can be found here: https://campus.edu/blog/community-college/maine-free-community-college-guide.

On this page you will find eligibility and award criteria along with the award payment schedule, important dates, and a link to an application checklist. PLEASE read through this information ENTIRELY prior to completing the application form.

Eligibility

Graduates and alumni of Boothbay Region High School who wish to continue their education in any approved post-secondary education program.

Award Criteria

Grants are based on two criteria:
1. Financial Need.
2. The BRSAF award formula.

How We Calculate Our Awards

Grants from the BRSAF are based on a percentage of unmet need as determined by subtracting the student's financial aid package and half the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the school's total cost of attendance (COA). The Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number that your school’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid you would receive if you attended the school. In the event of a negative SAI the floor is zero.The percentage of unmet need is generally lower for freshman (graduating seniors) attending their first year of school than it is for graduates and alumni in later years.

For example:
COA less School Award (scholarships/grants) less one-half of the SAI = Unmet Need

All years: Unmet Need multiplied by a percentage based on available funds = BRSAF Award

Each year the BRSAF Board determines the overall grant percentages based on the results of the annual fund drive and available monies from the invested funds.These percentages vary from year to year.

Application Process

1. File your FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov
2. Fill out the BRSAF online application (link in right column).
3. Print out or send electronically your Submission Summary Report (SSR) from the FAFSA. (This document can be 5-6 pages long). Please send only the final completed Report to us.
4. Print out and sign or digitally sign the Financial Release Form (link in right column).
5. Obtain and send the current year financial award package from your institution.
6. ‍Submit all forms by email to brsaf.org@gmail.com or by mail to:
    BRSAF
    PO Box 293
    Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
7. All documents must be submitted by the below dates to be considered for a grant.

FORM SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
Graduating Seniors - May 1 (For 2024 Extended to June 15, 2024)
‍BRHS Alumni - July 20

Each college, institution, trade school or other post-secondary school has it's own policy on how outside aid is treated when determining financial aid packages. Most financial aid offices will work with families so that outside aid does not adversely affect the financial aid package, but families should check the policy for each school. There are many variables involved in determining each student’s award amount, including the varying costs of different institutions, the institution's policy on outside aid, and each student's EFC (Expected Family Contribution). Each grant awarded by the BRSAF is specific to the individual graduate or alumni and is strictly confidential.

Payments

Checks for first year students are sent directly to the Institute in July and for all other students in August for the Fall semester. Spring Semester checks are released at the end of December. For those programs with one session, the entire grant (award) is sent at the beginning of the program. Those programs held over the summer or on a trimester basis will be accommodated. If you have questions about your award being sent, please contact us at brsaf.org@gmail.com

Deadlines

For high school seniors: Applications must be completed by May 1 (For 2024 Extended to June 15, 2024).
For BRHS graduates and alumni: Applications must be completed by July 20.

Supporting Materials

BRSAF, PO Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538