FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about the Clifford Boro Pathbreaker Grant. If you have a question not addressed here, feel free to reach out via our contact email. We aim to make the application process as clear and straightforward as possible.
What is the Clifford Boro Pathbreaker Grant?
It’s a $1,000 annual scholarship founded by Clifford “Cliff” Boro to support college students who live unconventional, purpose-driven lives. Each year, one student who “breaks the mold” will be awarded $1,000 toward their education. The program is an essay contest – applicants write about how they have forged their own path in life. The goal is to celebrate and reward students who choose their own direction, even when it defies expectations.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Pathbreaker Grant is open to all students currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university, either undergraduate or graduate. You can be in any field of study – all majors and programs are welcome. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen; international students are eligible as long as you’re attending a U.S.-based school. There is no minimum GPA requirement. Essentially, if you’re a college student in the U.S. with an unconventional story to tell, you’re eligible to apply!
What is this year’s essay question?
This year’s essay prompt asks you to reflect on what makes your life unconventional and why you chose that path. You should describe a time you defied expectations, challenged societal norms, or chose to follow your purpose even if it meant not getting others’ approval. In short, how are you living a life that’s truly your own? (See the Clifford Boro Pathbreaker Grant page for the full prompt text.) Your response should be 500–700 words and share a personal story or example that shows your pathbreaking spirit.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
You can apply by submitting an online application on our website. The application involves a simple form and uploading your essay as a PDF. Here’s a quick rundown: First, write your 500–700 word essay addressing the prompt (be sure it’s your own original work). Then, go to our Application Form page (on this site) and fill in your name, contact info, school details, etc. At the end of the form, you’ll upload your essay file. Once everything is filled out, hit “Submit.” We will confirm receipt via email. Important: Make sure you submit by November 15, 2025. Late submissions can’t be considered. If you have any issues with the form, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
When is the deadline and when will the winner be announced?
The deadline to submit your application is November 15, 2025. All applications must be in by that date (11:59 PM Pacific Time). The scholarship winner will be selected and announced on November 25, 2025. We will notify the winner directly (via email/phone) before the public announcement. On the announcement date, we’ll also post an update on this website (and possibly our social media, if applicable) to let everyone know who won. So mark your calendar for both the submission deadline and the announcement!
How is the winner chosen?
All eligible essays will be read and evaluated by a selection committee, which includes Cliff Boro and his team. The winner is chosen based on the content and quality of the essay. We’re looking for authenticity, creativity, and a clear connection to the theme of forging your own path. Essentially, we ask: Does this student’s story truly embody the “pathbreaker” spirit? We also consider how well-written and engaging the essay is (taking into account that every student has a different writing style – we’re not expecting perfection, but clarity and sincerity are important). The selection process isn’t random; it’s a thoughtful review aiming to find the story that most resonates with the grant’s mission. Once we’ve decided on a recipient, we’ll double-check that they meet all eligibility requirements, and then we’ll reach out to congratulate them!
What does the winner receive?
The scholarship winner will receive $1,000 USD as a one-time award. This award will typically be provided in the form of a check or electronic payment directly to the student (in some cases, we can coordinate with your school’s financial aid office if needed). The funds are intended to help with educational expenses – for example, you might use it for tuition, textbooks, fees, supplies, or even housing costs. There are no strict rules on how you must spend it (we understand every student’s needs are different), but it’s meant to lighten your financial burden so you can continue pursuing your education and unconventional endeavors. In addition to the money, the winner will also gain recognition as the Clifford Boro Pathbreaker Grant recipient – we may feature your story (with your permission) on our site or announcements, which can be a nice resume boost and an inspiration to others!
Can I apply again next year if I don’t win this year?
Absolutely! The Pathbreaker Grant is an annual scholarship, and we encourage you to try again as long as you’re still eligible. Each year is a fresh competition. If you aren’t selected this year, you can refine your essay or even take on new experiences and reapply next year. We love hearing from passionate students, and many great scholarship winners nationwide don’t win on their first try but succeed later. So don’t be discouraged – keep forging your path and consider applying in the next cycle.
Do I need a certain major or GPA to apply?
Nope! We do not require any specific major, field, or minimum GPA. The grant is open to students in all disciplines – whether you’re studying engineering, art, business, literature, science, or anything else. We believe unconventional paths can happen in any field. We also haven’t set a GPA cutoff; your grades are not a factor in our decision. The focus is entirely on your essay and the story you share. As long as you’re passionate about your path and meet the basic eligibility (enrolled in a U.S. college/university), you have a chance to win, regardless of your academic profile.
Is the scholarship open to graduate students as well?
Yes. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, JD, MD, or any other degree at a U.S. college or university, you’re welcome to submit an essay. We don’t distinguish between undergrad/grad in the application – all will be evaluated together on the merit of the story. The key is that you are currently enrolled in a program during this application cycle. (If you are a high school senior already enrolled in a college for the upcoming term, you would become eligible once your college enrollment begins; you might consider applying in the next cycle.)
I’m an international student at a U.S. university – can I apply?
Yes, if you are studying at a U.S.-based accredited institution, you can apply. We use the term “U.S. students” in the eligibility criteria to mean students attending college in the United States. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. As long as you are enrolled in a U.S. college or university (and have a .edu email or other proof of enrollment if requested), you are eligible, regardless of your nationality. We celebrate diversity and would love to hear about your unique background and journey!
What are you looking for in the essay? Any tips?
Great question. We’re essentially looking for your personal story that shows how you’ve been a pathbreaker. The best essays will be those that only you could have written – stories that are specific, personal, and genuine. Some tips: Focus on a particular experience or decision that highlights your unconventional path (it could be an achievement, a challenge you overcame by going against the grain, a value-driven choice you made, etc.). Explain why you chose to do things differently and how it affected you or others. Be reflective: what did you learn, and how has it shaped your future goals or perspective? Write in a clear and organized way – it often helps to create an outline first. Hook the reader early by sharing something compelling about your journey. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and emotions. And finally, proofread your essay (maybe have a friend or mentor give it a read) to catch any errors or unclear parts. Remember, authenticity is more important than using big words. We want to feel like we get to know you through the essay. Write from the heart, stick to the prompt, and you’ll do great!
What are you looking for in the essay? Any tips?
Great question. We’re essentially looking for your personal story that shows how you’ve been a pathbreaker. The best essays will be those that only you could have written – stories that are specific, personal, and genuine. Some tips: Focus on a particular experience or decision that highlights your unconventional path (it could be an achievement, a challenge you overcame by going against the grain, a value-driven choice you made, etc.). Explain why you chose to do things differently and how it affected you or others. Be reflective: what did you learn, and how has it shaped your future goals or perspective? Write in a clear and organized way – it often helps to create an outline first. Hook the reader early by sharing something compelling about your journey. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and emotions. And finally, proofread your essay (maybe have a friend or mentor give it a read) to catch any errors or unclear parts. Remember, authenticity is more important than using big words. We want to feel like we get to know you through the essay. Write from the heart, stick to the prompt, and you’ll do great!
Will my essay or name be published if I win?
We respect your privacy. By default, if you win, we would announce your name (typically just your first name, last initial, and school for privacy) on our site and possibly in a press release or social media post. We may also want to share your story or an excerpt from your essay, because it can inspire other students – after all, the grant is about celebrating pathbreakers! However, we will contact you first and get your permission to share any details of your essay publicly. If you prefer to stay low-key, we can keep the announcement minimal. Non-winning essays are not published or shared. Only our internal review committee will read your essay. So, feel free to be candid in your writing – your personal details won’t be made public without consent.
How can the scholarship money be used?
The $1,000 award is meant to support your education. There is no rigid restriction on how exactly you spend it, but we strongly intend it to alleviate education-related expenses. Common uses include applying it toward tuition or fees, buying textbooks and supplies, covering housing or meal plan costs, or even upgrading a laptop or other learning tools. If you have student loans, you could also use it to pay down some debt. The idea is to give you some financial breathing room so you can continue to pursue your unconventional path at school. We trust our winners to use the funds in whatever way best furthers their academic and personal development. (And yes, it’s a grant, so you do not have to pay it back – it’s not a loan!)
Who can I contact if I have questions or need help?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the scholarship or the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email us at info@cliffordborogrant.com and we’ll respond as soon as possible. You can also send us a message through the contact form on our Contact page on this site. Whether you’re unsure about the eligibility, having technical issues with submission, or just want clarification on the essay prompt, we are happy to answer. Our goal is to make the application process as smooth as possible for you. So feel free to contact us – no question is too small. We genuinely look forward to hearing from you!