Application Process

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

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

On this page you will find the 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

Students who are graduates of Boothbay Region High School who are continuing their education in any approved post-secondary education program.

Award Criteria

Grants are based on two criteria:
1. Financial Need as determined by your institution.
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 expected family contribution (EFC) from the school's total cost of attendance (COA). The percentage is generally lower for seniors attending their first year of school than it is for students in later years. The Board also includes a percentage of their student's student loan debt as part of the overall calculation.

For example:
COA - School Award (loan/grants) - EFC = Unmet Need

1st year: Unmet need x 22.5% = BRSAF Award
Subsequent Years: 10% of student debt + 40% x Unmet Need = BRSAF Award

The percentages listed above are for example purposes only. Each year the BRSAF Board determines the overall grant percentages based on the annual fund drive and available monies from the invested funds.

Application Process

1. File your FAFSA at fafsa.gov.
2. Fill out the BRSAF online application (link in right column).
3. Print out or send electronically your Student Aid Fund Report (SAR) from the FAFSA. (This document can be 5-6 pages long).
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. Send in your forms to the following departments:
    Graduating Seniors - Bring all forms to the Guidance Office.
    BRHS Alumni - Send all forms to:
    info@brsaf.org or mail to BRSAF:
    PO Box 293
    Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538

Each institution has their own policy on how outside aid is treated when determining financial aid packages. Students attending different schools may see their awards from the Student Aid Fund affected differently. Please check your institution's policy on outside aid. Because of the many variables involved including the varying costs of different institutions, the institution's policy on outside aid, and each student's EFC (estimated family contribution). It is not appropriate to compare one student's award from the Student Aid Fund to another.

Payments

One half of an award is sent to the institution in July, and the second half is sent in the last week of December. If you have questions about your award being sent, please call Lori Bailey, our Administrative Assistant at 207-633-2548.

Helpful Links for Financial Aid

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/

https://www.famemaine.com/education/

Deadlines

For high school senior seniors: Applications must be completed by May 1.
For all other students: Applications must be completed by June 1.

Supporting Materials

For high school seniors: Boothbay Region High School Guidance Department.
For all other students: BRSAF, PO Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538

High school seniors will be notified of their award just after graduation. All other applicants will be notified by mid-June.