Get the boost you need during this challenging time
Boosts is a microgrant program that provides low-income 9th-12th graders with Chromebooks, headphones, and school supplies to close the digital divide.
Read about our 2021 Microgrant Recipients here.
Applications for 2021 are now closed. Join the waitlist for 2022 below.
COVID-19 Microgrants
Last year, Close the Gap awarded 15 deserving high school students over $2,100 worth of Chromebooks and distance learning supplies. We’re back again to help bridge the digital divide during COVID-19.
🙋🏽♀️ Rising 9th-12th grade
🍎 Qualify for free or reduced school lunch
💻 Have a need for distance learning supplies
Important Dates
Mar 7, 2021 - Semi-Finalists
Apr 7, 2021 - Finalists
This year, we’re awarding:
5 Chromebooks
5 Pairs of Noise-Cancellation Headphones
5 Supply Kits
Waitlist for 2022
Applications for 2021 are closed, but you can join the 2022 waitlist below.
Acceptance to our program is based on attitude over aptitude. For this reason, we do not ask for your GPA or test scores. Program acceptance will be needs-based.
Use the open-response portion of the application as an opportunity to share your story, including all the triumphs and setbacks.
To apply for the Microgrant, you must meet all the qualifications below:
You will be in 9th-12th grade for the 2022-2023 School Year
You qualify for free or reduced school lunch (refer to NSLA, 42 U.S.C.1761(b)(3))
You are attending a high school in the United States
You will be able to complete all supplemental and forms as needed
Testimonials
"With the Chromebook Close the Gap provided, I've been able to take my online classes successfully. Furthermore, I’ve been able to put myself out of harm’s way by not taking in-person classes."
Briana Reed
Chromebook Recipient
11th Grader
"Thanks to Close the Gap for giving me the boost I need during this challenging time. With the Chromebook, I've been able to do online school due to the pandemic. I've also been able to help my sister with her classes and print out our work at home."
Mercedes Swiantek
Chromebook Recipient
11th Grader
"I've been able to challenge and better myself thanks to Close the Gap. The Chromebook helped me figure out what I want to do in college by giving me the opportunity to do research on which field I want to study in."
Madison Jefferson
Chromebook Recipient
11th Grader
“From lacking computers to physical space, low-income students are at a disadvantage in online learning.”
— Anna North, VOX