The Last Mile, Together
Fast, flexible support to keep your STEM students on track to graduation
You know your students. You see their promise and their pressures. You’ve stretched emergency funds, loaned textbooks, and referred every campus resource you can. And sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, the gap is still there. That’s where we come in.
Last Mile provides fast, flexible grants for students within four semesters of graduation in tech and engineering fields. We respond quickly so students can stay enrolled and finish strong. Turn to us when traditional aid can’t move fast enough or doesn’t fit the reality your STEM students are living.
When a small bill becomes a big barrier, send them our way.
Last Mile has made a real, tangible difference in out students’ lives, providing them with the financial support to continue their education and work toward a brighter future. The impact extended beyond individual students to the entire college community. As a direct consequence of the increased financial support, student enrollment in the IT pathway at Durham Tech saw a noticeable increase. The availability of these funds helped attract new students who were previously unable to enroll due to financial constraints. The program has been a catalyst for growth and opportunity within our institution.
Al Leaston, Ed D
Assistant Dean, Business, Entrepreneurship and IT,
Durham Technical Community College
It Works
Last Mile Education Fund partners with colleges and universities to ensure students make it across the finish line to graduation. We provide rapid, flexible financial support for students in high-demand STEM fields who are academically on track but facing unexpected financial barriers.
Faculty play a critical role in referring students who are at risk of stopping out—whether due to a car repair, tuition gap, or childcare cost—so that a timely award can keep them moving forward.
By working together, we turn persistence into graduation and graduation into impact for your students and your institution.
Awardees report big jumps in confidence and on-time completion, and our students graduate at 80%—nearly triple the national rate for the lowest-income students.
There is no merit gatekeeping and no GPA cutoffs or long essays. We center sufficiency and trust.
We are student-focused and equity-driven — built for first-generation and financially vulnerable students navigating complex realities.
These are not loans. These are financial awards that remove financial friction so students can focus on academics
Refer a student when common, solvable barriers in their final stretch threaten to derail their graduation:
Tuition gaps or past-due balances threatening enrollment
Laptop replacement or essential tech for coursework
Transportation/car repair, housing, or utilities that jeopardize attendance
Childcare needs that impact class or clinicals
Licensure/certification and exam fees
Professional readiness (e.g., required tools, software, interview travel)
Rapid decisions.
We move quickly so students can stay enrolled, complete courses, and accept opportunities.
Your work helped us at Henry Ford College develop and implement a robust emergency aid program that is helping not only retain our students, but helping them across the finish line with a certificate or degree. This enabled us then show proof of concept to the State of Michigan and enabled us to receive a $517,000 grant expressly for barrier removal!
You are positively impacting the credential attainment initiative and helping establish students in great jobs and having opportunities for excellent livelihoods.
Thank you!
Holly Diamond
Vice President of Student Affairs,
Henry Ford College
Trust & Transparency
We understand our students—and we design for their reality. Many are first-gen, working, caregiving, or commuting. Our process is FERPA-aware and intentionally as light as possible so support can move at the pace of their lives.
Keeping it simple: We collect what’s necessary to verify enrollment, degree progress, and the specific barrier to progress.
We avoid burdensome paperwork: no GPA cutoffs, no long essays, no tax returns.
Built to reduce administrative lift: faculty and staff aren’t asked for lengthy letters or multi-step forms.
Privacy by design: student information is handled securely and we use plain-language requests and mobile-first forms so students can respond quickly and confidently.
Transparent communication: students know what we’re asking for and why, how funds will be disbursed, and what to expect next—decisions in days, not months.
Bottom line: We collect the essentials, protect what we collect, and keep the lift low—for students and for you. Students can expect a timely decision so they can stay enrolled, finish on time, and step into internships or jobs
The financial support provided by the Last Mile Education Fund has been instrumental in helping students complete their technology courses and programs, as well as prepare for industry certifications that enhance their job readiness. What sets Last Mile apart is its unique focus on students in the final stretch, especially for those who have come so far but risk stopping out due to small, often urgent financial gaps. These last-mile challenges are among the most critical, and without this support, many students would be unable to finish.I would encourage all tech faculty from community colleges to explore and champion this initiative. Funders should know that their investment in this model delivers immediate and meaningful returns. In one sentence: Last Mile bridges the gap between potential and achievement, turning educational aspirations into career realities.
Antonio Delgado
Vice President of Innovation and Technology Partnerships
Miami Dade College
Impact
11,000+
STUDENT INVESTMENTS
At Last Mile, our support isn’t restricted to tuition alone. If a student is at risk of leaving school because of an unexpected expense—whether it’s a car repair, childcare, housing, or another urgent cost—we can step in. Awards are provided as direct cash gifts, with no tax consequences for the student and no impact on their existing scholarships or aid packages.
<$3,000
AVERAGE INVESTMENT PER STUDENT
We’re not solving enormous problems—we’re addressing the small but critical obstacles that can derail a student’s progress. Often, removing just one barrier is enough for students to cross the finish line with confidence.
80%
CONFIRMED GRADUATION RATE
That’s almost triple the national rate for students from the bottom income quartile—and even higher for community college transfers.
246x
$246 IN IMPACT FOR EVERY $1
Our model delivers an extraordinary return on investment—every dollar we provide to students generates ripple effects in graduation rates, career readiness, and community impact, creating far greater outcomes than the initial support itself.
In Their Own Words
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Jada H.
University of Mississippi
Class of 2026
I was juggling three jobs while trying to manage my finances, and in the process, I failed a few classes and lost my scholarship. I was on the verge of dropping out with a balance on my account, which meant I wouldn’t be able to transfer since an official transcript requires a zero balance. I felt completely overwhelmed. Then, I heard about Last Mile – a reminder that sometimes help comes when you least expect it. Thanks to Last Mile, I was able to pay off my balance, stay in school, and drop two of my jobs. With more time to focus on my studies, my grades improved significantly, my GPA soared, and now I’m set to graduate! Thank you, Last Mile, for everything! -
Mercy E.
Berea College
Class of 2025
In my first semester of my senior year, I got an email from my college letting me know that I had to pay a balance on my term bill before I would be eligible to enroll for the following semester. I was unable to afford the stated amount since I had already accrued debt from medical bills, food, utilities and I hardly qualified for any loans or grants. The support from Last Mile was very impactful for me since I was in my final year of college. With their support, I was able to opt out of panic mode and actually focus on finishing strong. -
Amena F.
College of Staten Island CUNY
Class of 2022
During my senior year, I encountered unexpected financial challenges that put my ability to graduate at risk. Last Mile funding made it possible for me to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science on time and transition directly into the workforce. Today, I’m working as a Data Engineer. Last Mile gave me the momentum to keep going when stopping felt inevitable—and helped me reach where I am today. -
Lilliana M.
Texas State University
Class of 2025
I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, balancing full-time work with a full course load for several years. Last Mile helped take some of the financial pressure off during a really critical point in my degree. Getting this support allowed me to focus more on my senior design project and technical courses without having to worry so much about working extra hours and burning out. It gave me the breathing room I needed to spend more time with my little girls, work less, stay on track, and graduate on time. I’m proud to be graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and I’m very appreciative of Last Mile.
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Justin V.
Central Connecticut State 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. -
Flora H.
Stanford University
Class of 2024
During my junior year, a broken laptop became a financial barrier to continuing my education.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 AI, and started my first full time job as a Software Engineer! I look forward to giving back to the Last Mile community.
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Tamara F.
Northern New Mexico College
Class of 2024
Last Mile 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. Last Mile gave me the motivation and courage to complete my undergraduate degree which is an opportunity that I'm forever grateful for. -
Felicie T.
Navajo Technical University
Class of 2023
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.
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Kamilla V.
Trinity College
Class of 2025
My laptop couldn’t keep up with my goals. My parents couldn’t help financially, and I was already working multiple jobs to sustain myself. A friend mentioned the Last Mile fund. I applied and was awarded a new laptop, which gave me space to grow – in iOS, ML, AI, and Data Engineering. -
Xandria C.
Western Governors University
Class of 2025
The ability to reapply for awards from Last Mile, as well as the speed in which an individual hears back, are the best parts of the fund. Last Mile has supported me financially and allowed me to focus more on my studies, extracurriculars, and work so I can graduate on time and begin my full-time role after graduation. -
Amalia T.
CUNY Queens College
Class of 2024
The first Last Mile award I received was in my junior year. I remember I was working on these big projects and everything was saved on my computer, and my laptop broke and I really urgently needed a new one. A friend of mine had told me about Last Mile, and that they had emergency awards. With Last Mile’s help, I got a new laptop so that I didn’t fail my classes. -
Patrick B.
Big Sandy Community & Technical College
Class of 2026
Thank you, this fund allowed me to have the tools I needed to be able to commit to online classes. You made a difference.
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Christabel A.
Philander Smith University
Class of 2022
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. -
Rachel M.
University of Maryland
Class of 2022
When I applied, I was working two jobs to make university a reality. I felt 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. -
Jana J.
University of Houston
Class of 2020
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. -
Stephanie M.
University of Houston
Class of 2026
I depend on student loans to cover housing and transportation, but during the summer, it’s often not enough to get me through the 3-4 months between semesters. Then, Hurricane Beryl hit. My house went directly through the eye of the storm, causing significant damage, and I had to find alternative housing. It was an incredibly challenging time for me. 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.
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Ashley P.
Florida International University
Class of 2026
I unexpectedly lost my full ride scholarship. Because of Last Mile, I was able to keep going. I could remain committed to my studies in computer science, continue my internships and leadership roles, and stay involved in service and mentorship efforts that matter deeply to me. Last Mile not only helped me pay for a semester, it protected my trajectory and my future. More than that, it reminded me that there are organizations that see students as whole people and believe in their futures. I am profoundly grateful to the Last Mile – what you do is truly life changing, and I carry that gratitude with me every day. -
Carrie M.
Prairie View A&M University
Class of 2026
I lost my Pell Grant in August just before my senior year. I couldn’t give up after everything I’d invested over the past three years, or after all my parents had sacrificed as a single-income household. Support from Last Mile changed everything. The funding covered my remaining balance and my final semester. I felt a sense of relief, gratitude, and renewed hope. For the first time in months, I could breathe. I felt seen, supported, and motivated to finish strong. With that weight lifted, I was able to focus on studying and completing my projects, instead of worrying about whether I would even make it to graduation. -
Hawulethu N.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Class of 2026
I am forever thankful for your help, you came through for me when all else had failed. -
Zawadi P.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Class of 2027
As a first-generation, low-income student, every semester comes with financial uncertainty, and I often find myself juggling multiple jobs, leadership roles, and a demanding engineering curriculum. I applied to Last Mile because I needed support, not just to stay enrolled, but to stay focused and continue building toward the future I’ve been working so hard for. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the program would expand my world. The support from Last Mile didn’t just cover expenses. It opened doors.
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Baetab T.
St. Cloud University
Class of 2025
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 – they lifted the weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on my education instead of just surviving. 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. -
Rebekah W.
University of Maryland
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. -
Destany B.
Grinnell College
Class of 2025
In addition to being first generation and navigating college for the first time, I was struggling financially, and Last Mile supported me. The support from Last Mile definitely made a difference. I feel like Last Mile gave me an equal opportunity, allowing me to complete my degree. I felt like people were rooting for me. I felt really supported, which was a good motivator for me to keep going and finish. -
Brian D.
University of Texas at El Paso
Class of 2022
The support I received from the program changed my life completely, as I was able to continue pursuing my dreams of preparing academically to become a Cybersecurity Professional. When I learned of the opportunity to become a campus ambassador for Last Mile, I knew it was my opportunity to contribute to the success of students through in-time financial support and professional development opportunities. I am more than happy to continuously contribute to Last Mile’s mission and help students in my community and beyond.
Include Last Mile information in your LMS, syllabus, department newsletters, and advising resource lists
Add Last Mile to official resource pages and advisor toolkits.
Use our faculty toolkit, which provides slides, posters, syllabus text, and a one-pager for quick sharing.
Refer students directly or encourage them to apply with our simple, mobile-friendly form focused on need and timeline.
Share Last Mile With Your Students
Bridge the Last Mile, Together
You’ve called every office and stretched every emergency fund. When the barrier is purely financial, send them to us—simple application, clear communication, rapid decisions.