Our Mission
Closing the Gap Between Persistence and a Degree
We imagine futures unbound by barriers, where today’s students become tomorrow’s changemakers.
Mission
The Last Mile Education Fund closes critical gaps in financial and career support for financially vulnerable college students in the “last mile” to graduation in high-demand STEM fields—addressing both economic mobility for students and the nation’s urgent talent crisis in technology and tech-enabled industries.
Vision
Every student striving toward a high-demand STEM field achieves their potential.
What Makes Us Different
Unlike traditional scholarships, Last Mile is an investment in potential, not past performance. We meet students where they are, in real time, and invest in their ability to finish strong and enter the workforce ready to contribute.
Our Philosophy
Investing Abundantly In Student Potential
Most scholarships reward only the “top” students, leaving many capable ones behind. We take an abundance approach—incubating resilient STEM students just steps from graduation and catalyzing them into workforce-ready innovators.
Providing Agile Support When It's Needed Most
We believe timing can make all the difference. By responding quickly and flexibly to students’ urgent needs, we remove barriers in real time—ensuring momentum is never lost and potential isn’t left unfinished, opening the door to graduation and opportunity.
Creating a Sustainable Engine of Reinvestment
Last Mile creates a virtuous cycle where students become graduates, ambassadors, and funders—building a self-sustaining pipeline of talent. Today’s investments spark lasting impact, turning individual persistence into collective progress.
Why This Investment Matters
America faces a growing skills gap in tech, engineering, AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Each year, tens of thousands of capable students are forced to abandon degrees—talent that industries desperately need.
Last Mile is the solution. By closing financial gaps at the most decisive moment, we deliver:
A stronger, more representative U.S. tech workforce.
A proven, scalable, and cost-effective model.
A direct line of sight into measurable outcomes and national competitiveness.
For funders, this is a strategic investment in America’s innovation economy.
In Their Own Words
Last Mile Education Fund significantly improved my motivation and persistence in attaining my bachelor's degree by providing financial relief, positive mental wellness, and encouragement.
Because of Last Mile, I am able to fulfill my academic achievements and personal goals. I've recently heard back from the University of New Mexico and I've been accepted into the Department of Computer Engineering program! I will be attending UNM to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a specialization in the Internet of Things. Last Mile gave me the motivation and courage to complete my undergraduate degree which is an opportunity that I'm forever grateful for.
Tamara F.
Northern New Mexico College, Class of 2024
I found Last Mile during my last semester at community college. When I applied, I was working two jobs to make university a reality. I felt a lot of uncertainty and worry about affording this next step in my education. Getting support allowed me to feel more confident about my decision to attend university. It enabled me to make decisions based on purpose rather than fear.
Rachel M.
University of Maryland, Class of 2022
I was an undergraduate student facing significant financial and emotional hardships due to the loss of my father to cancer, as well as the passing of family members and others within our Navajo Nation community to COVID-19. This support not only enabled me to complete my undergraduate degree but also motivated me to pursue graduate studies and a career in technology.
Felicie T.,
Navajo Technical University, Class of 2023
For most of my college journey, I was stuck in a cycle—working multiple jobs just to keep up with tuition, constantly stressed about whether I could even afford to finish. Then I found Last Mile. My initial reaction was that this has to be a unreal. Free funding to help me graduate? It felt too good to be true. But taking that leap changed everything. Last Mile lifted the weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on my education instead of just surviving. Looking back, I wish I had known about it sooner—but instead of dwelling on that, I now use my experience to spread the word. Through NSBE and ColorStack, I want every student facing the same struggles to know that help is out there. Last Mile is here for students, and it’s life-changing.
Beteab T.
St. Cloud University, Class of 2025
Due to health issues, I quit my job that helped pay for school. My family helped briefly, but after my dad's stroke and unexpected medical expenses, they couldn’t support my final year. I was unsure how I’d afford tuition and rent for the next 5 months. At a tech career fair, I ran into Last Mile. I had just quit my job to focus on my health and stay in school, giving up my scholarship. Without Last Mile, I would have had to take a semester off to save and then re-enroll. Today Rebekah is finishing her degree and graduating in May 2025.
Rebekah W.
University of Maryland, Class of 2025
I previously had support from my parents but after they divorced every expense was left up to me. I was working part time as a scrum master intern but I did not have enough funds to cover my bills and college expenses. I remember receiving the email that I had received funding. At the time where I felt alone, I immediately felt supported and encouraged to finish my degree.
Jana J.
University of Houston, Class of 2020
"Free, no strings attached financial support for college students?" I thought, "certainly too good to be true!" I left it at that for a while, as I had never imagined an organization like Last Mile could ever exist. However, during the beginning of my junior year, I found myself facing my own financial challenge, where a broken laptop posed an obstacle for my continuing education. Without a laptop, I wouldn't be able to apply and interview for summer internships, which are one of the most critical ways students can be set up for early-career success. Desperate, I turned to Last Mile, who stepped in to cover the costs of my laptop, ensuring I could continue to reach and fight for opportunities that would have otherwise been closed to me.
In December, I graduated from both my Bachelor's and Master's in Computer Science at Stanford, focusing on the study of Artificial Intelligence, and started my first full time job at Uber as a Software Engineer! I can't wait to see all the accomplishments from Last Mile students like me in the future, and I look forward to giving back to the Last Mile community.
Flora H.
Stanford University, Class of 2024
The funding I received from Last Mile gave me the freedom to focus on my studies, research, and community-led grant projects. Without Last Mile’s support, there’s no way I would have been able to accomplish so much. I make sure to tell everyone I can about Last Mile, encouraging them to apply. The challenges in my field are tough enough, and I explain how Last Mile can ease the pressure of both school and personal life. With their support, students can focus more on their education and make the most of their academic journey.
Stephanie M.
University of Houston-Downtown, Class of 2026
As a student away from home, the pandemic almost left my sister and I homeless and without support. Last Mile aid helped my sister and I afford basic living expenses during the pandemic. Because I could check off our basic needs, I had the mental space to focus on my studies. I was able to end the semesters with a 4.0 GPA which contributed to graduating Summa Cum Laude and with Distinction. Last Mile is committed to doing that and supporting our dreams and aspirations.
Christabel A.,
Philander Smith University, Class of 2022
This support came at a crucial juncture in my educational journey. Being solely responsible for financing my college education, the Last Mile funding lifted a significant financial burden and provided me with invaluable resources.
Justin V.
Central Connecticut State University Class of 2022
Fuel The Future Workforce
Last Mile investments not only transform individual lives—they strengthen the U.S. economy, drive innovation, and ensure the nation can compete in the industries that matter most.
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