Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship Is Back

It’s never too early to start planning for the 2025 Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship—an award created to support individuals working within the Maryland Thoroughbred racing community who aspire to further their education.

Eligible applicants include those who have been employed on the backstretch at Laurel Park or Pimlico Race Course, or have worked in a related support role in Maryland racing within the past three years. Candidates must also be enrolled—or planning to enroll—in a four-year college or university beginning in the fall of 2025 or shortly thereafter.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association launched this meaningful scholarship program in 2023, thanks to funding from longtime Laurel Park-based trainer Ferris Allen, who also serves on the MTHA Board of Directors. The program provides a significant financial award to one deserving individual each year to assist with college expenses.

A total of $10,000 will be awarded annually to a single recipient following a thorough application review. The deadline to apply is August 15. Applications can be submitted at ferrisallenscholarship.com.

“I believe our industry must do more to offer real and lasting educational support to members of our backstretch community,” said Allen. “This program selects one exceptional candidate each year and provides meaningful financial assistance to help them pursue their goals and aspirations. We encourage everyone in the racing community to spread the word and support applicants.”

The first recipient of the Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship was Alvaro Barajas, who has worked for trainer Damon Dilodovico at Laurel since fall 2022. Alvaro recently graduated from Prince George’s Community College with an associate’s degree and plans to enroll at the University of Maryland to pursue a degree in clinical psychology.

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