Founded by longtime Westfield resident and college professor Audrey Fisch, More Than Bootstraps (MTB) is a partner of The Westfield Foundation and was created to address the unique challenges faced by first-generation, low-income students pursuing higher education. Recognizing that these barriers are often not academic, MTB provides support with college and financial aid applications, mentoring, wellness resources, and family engagement to help students successfully navigate the path to and through college.
A hallmark of the program is its near-peer mentoring model. First-generation college students serve as mentors and role models for high school juniors and seniors, creating a powerful network of support that often continues beyond graduation. Many participants return as mentors themselves, strengthening a community of first-generation success.
The Westfield Foundation proudly provided seed funding for MTB in 2020 and 2021. Over the past five years, the organization has refined its model and demonstrated remarkable results, growing from 11 students in 2020 to 58 high school and college students during the 2025–2026 academic year. To date, 100 percent of High School Fellows have graduated from high school, 97 percent have enrolled in higher education, and 100 percent of College Student Leaders have remained in college, with all 17 graduates completing their degrees within four years.
Building on this success, MTB expanded into Plainfield Public Schools in August 2025. The Westfield Foundation provided more than $10,000 in startup funding, with much of the support designated for student stipends. These stipends help students dedicate time to the program and their educational goals without sacrificing other financial responsibilities. By January 2026, MTB had recruited and selected five Plainfield College Student Leaders—all graduates of Plainfield High School who are now pursuing higher education.
Through strategic investments in organizations like More Than Bootstraps, The Westfield Foundation advances its mission of fostering positive change and expanding educational opportunities for young people throughout our region.
