The BOOST Advisory Board meeting on July 31, 2023, highlighted significant improvements in the BOOST scholarship application process, now powered by a new vendor, Submittable. This year, the application period ran from May 11 to June 30, attracting approximately 7,036 applications, a notable increase from last year's total of around 6,000.

The new online application system has received positive feedback from parents and schools for its user-friendly interface, which guides applicants through a series of questions. Parents can now track their application status in real-time, request edits, and communicate directly with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) through the portal. This streamlined process aims to reduce errors and improve efficiency, particularly with the automated review of federal tax forms, which has historically been labor-intensive.

Despite the advancements, the meeting revealed that 665 applications were still incomplete as of late July. MSDE staff engaged in extensive outreach, providing one-on-one support to help parents complete their applications. However, some applicants did not respond to follow-up communications, leading to their applications being classified as incomplete.

Looking ahead, the board plans to open the application period earlier next year to further enhance accessibility. The total funding available for the upcoming fiscal year is projected at $9,082,000, with a focus on ensuring that eligible students receive the support they need. The meeting underscored the commitment to improving the BOOST program and addressing the needs of Maryland families seeking educational opportunities for their children.