Bootstrap Award Scholarship

Funder: Crook County Foundation (administered through Oregon Community Foundation)

Award Amount: Up to $1,875 per quarter (up to 4 quarters per year = $7,500 maximum in first year); renewable for a second year if student remains enrolled and employed

Program Type: Wage-matching scholarship for working students

Background: The Bootstrap Award was created by Erven Kincaid, a Crook County High School Class of 1959 graduate, to support honest, hard-working students who may have been overlooked by traditional merit-based scholarship systems. The program is designed to recognize and support students who demonstrate work ethic, responsibility, and commitment to building a better life for themselves through education and employment.

Eligibility

• Age: Currently seniors through age 24
• Residency: Must have graduated while living in Crook County
• Employment: Must be currently employed and earning wages (any type of job)
• Education: May attend any type of school - trade school, community college, or university
• Character: Should demonstrate politeness, clean record (stayed out of trouble), and cheerful attitude

Program Details

• How It Works: Student provides copies of pay stubs to the Foundation; Foundation matches earned wages quarterly (up to $1,875 per quarter)
• First Year Maximum: $7,500 (4 quarterly payments of up to $1,875 each)
• Renewal: If student remains enrolled in school and employed, can continue for a second year
• Focus: Rewards young people developing strong work ethic and realistic goals
• Eligible Career Paths: Welder, nurse, dental technician, plumber, mechanic, truck driver, etc.

Contact Information

• Phone: 541-362-1210
• Email: Info@CrookCountyFoundation.org
• Address: P.O. Box 1061, Prineville, OR 97754
• Executive Director: Brandi Ebner

Note

The fund was established through the Oregon Community Foundation and is set up to live in perpetuity. Anyone can contribute to the fund to help support multiple students each year.

Application Process

Application Availability: Available on website in early December

Required Materials:

• Completed application form
• Copies of pay stubs (to verify earned wages)
• Proof of school enrollment
• Character references demonstrating politeness, clean record, and positive attitude

Quarterly Process

• Students submit pay stub copies to the Foundation office
• Foundation processes and mails matching payment checks quarterly
• Student must remain enrolled in school and employed to continue receiving funds
• If continuing into year two, must submit updated enrollment and employment documentation