FAQ
Who is eligible for Last Mile Education Fund AWARDS?
Are you close to finishing your degree but need financial investment to cross the finish line? The Last Mile Education Fund is here to help.
Our awards are designed for students who are financially vulnerable and in the final stages of their academic journey. We have funding opportunities for students of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Please carefully review the eligibility requirements on our Apply Page to find out if you qualify. Additionally, we encourage you to explore the specific opportunities available through our Investor and Partner Funds, also detailed on the Apply Page.
What majors are eligible?
Awards focus on Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and STEM-related majors. Some grants have restrictions based on region, major, race/ethnicity, and gender.
As always, check each application for specific eligibility.
What type of funding is available?
For US Residents and Undocumented Students:
Emergency Awards: up to $595
Bridge Awards: $600-$4,500 (only for juniors and seniors in undergraduate or graduate school)
Last Mile Awards: Up to $10,000 (only for seniors in undergraduate programs)
Industry Certification Exams (this is specific to the Microsoft Scholarship Program only)
For F1 Visa Students:
Emergency Awards: up to $595
Bridge Awards: $600-$3,000 (only for juniors and seniors in undergraduate or graduate school)
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR FUNDING?
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Below are the dates we accept applications for specific terms. Applications accepted before the Applications Open dates will be deferred until the correct time frame.
Spring Term (Jan-May)
Applications Open/Reviewed: November 15th
Summer Term (June-August)
Applications Open/Reviewed: April 15th
Fall/Winter Term (Sept-December)
Applications Open/Reviewed: July 15th
What kinds of expenses do you fund?
The Last Mile Education Fund is designed to fill gaps in financial support for financially vulnerable students. It is not a substitute for institution-based financial aid or student loans. We provide support for expenses not covered by traditional scholarships or aid and shortfalls due to loss of work. This may include but is not limited to tuition, books, rent, car repairs, utility bills, groceries, conference attendance and travel expenses, healthcare, and technology.
As a Junior, can I apply to have my future expenses paid for until graduation?
When applying for a Last Mile or Bridge Award, we consider past balances owed; however, we only fund tuition, rent, expenses, etc., for the current term.
Am I eligible for funding as a Freshman or Sophomore?
Yes and no.
Some of our awards are open to students at all levels. However, other awards, like the Bridge and Last Mile award, are only open to students within their final four semesters of undergraduate or graduate degree completion.
The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program is open to all collegiate levels for U.S. community college students pursuing a certificate, associate or bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or cyber-adjacent degrees such as information technology, computer science, data systems, etc. Students also receive access to LinkedIn Premium, GitHub Global Campus and Global Mentors Initiative.
We do accept dual enrollment for high school students also attending community college, however, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for any funding from Last Mile Education Fund.
Are graduate students eligible?
Some of our funds are open to graduate students, and new funds are being added frequently, so join our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with announcements about new opportunities.
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Do I have to take out/accept my federal loans before I apply for Bridge and Last Mile funding?
Yes. Our Bridge and Last Mile level awards are only for students who have exhausted all possible forms of aid available to them. Our awards are not a substitute or replacement for federal loans but a potential supplement to federal loans when loans are not enough to meet students’ needs. When reviewing applications, we also take into consideration other subsidized resources being utilized by the applicant, i.e.: SNAP etc.
DO WE PAY BACK STUDENT LOANS?
We do not pay back student loans or credit cards.
Is this a loan?
You are worth our investment! Last Mile Education Fund and its partner funds are awards, not loans. Therefore, there is no legal or financial obligation to repay the support you receive. However, we are a social fund and hope that after graduation, you will join us as a volunteer and donor once you are settled into your career.
Do I have to live in the US?
At this time, we cannot disburse funds internationally, so you must be attending a US-based institution and have a US-based mailing address.
WHAT IF I AM A F1 VISA STUDENT, AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FUNDING AWARDS?
Yes! Last Mile is uniquely positioned to proudly fund international students in tech pathways. Students who hold a F1 Visa are eligible for:
One mini cash award ($595 or below) per tax year (Jan-Dec) that can be paid directly to the student.
AND
Awards $600 to $3,000 to help juniors and seniors in an undergraduate program or first and second-year students in a master’s program bridge potentially catastrophic financial hurdles. Due to tax treaty challenges, we are only able to fund qualified educational expenses paid directly to institutions or third-party vendors for a device like a laptop or desktop computer.
Eligible expenses above up to $3000 that must be paid directly to their institutions.
Eligible expenses that are paid directly to institutions can include but are not limited to:
Tuition
Health Plans
Parking Decals
Meal Plans
Bridge awards are only available for students currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master’s degree program.
IS LAST MILE INTENDED TO COVER HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES FOR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS/DEPENDENTS?
We understand that applicants often have other family members/dependents for whom they are financially responsible, however, we can only fund students who are actively enrolled in an eligible degree program and Last Mile cannot pay for other dependent’s expenses.
Do I have to have a LinkedIn account?
We use your LinkedIn account to verify your identity as a student and we require your LinkedIn to have a personal photo. You can use another professional profile, such as GitHub or a personal web page; however, it is highly recommended that all students pursuing careers in technology set up and maintain a LinkedIn profile, as this can only help with future employment prospects
Is a transcript required for my application?
Yes. Every application requires a full transcript showing your name, the institution name, your major, and the current academic semester. In addition, if you are enrolled in a boot camp or industry certification, you must show proof of enrollment with your name, the program's name, and the program's date(s). Without this information, your application will be declined. Providing a transcript in PDF format will speed up application processing time.
Can I submit an Unofficial Transcript?
Yes.
What if I cannot get my transcript because there is a hold on my account?
Call your financial aid office or bursar and let them know you are applying for funding to pay off your school bill and that you must provide an unofficial transcript. 9 out of 10 times, the schools will release that to you.
Can we send videos or pictures of our transcripts and bills?
No videos are accepted. Pictures are strongly discouraged, as they will cause a significant delay in reviewing your application. We prefer that all documents are sent as PDFs or a screenshot.
Am I required to complete a W9?
Yes, all US, Green Card, DACA, and undocumented students must complete a W9, and a form 1099 will be issued to students who have received more than $599 in a calendar year from the Last Mile Education Fund and its partner funds.
Do I have to fill out a W8 as an international student?
Yes, you are required to complete a W8 instead of a W9.
How do AWARDS from Last Mile Education Fund and its partner funds affect my taxes?
We cannot give any legal or tax advice, but if you received an award(s) for more than $595, you would receive a form 1099 form from Last Mile Education Fund in January of the following year, to be filed with your taxes.
How do my AWARD funds for tuition get disbursed?
If we have approved you for tuition, it is paid directly to your institution, and we can only pay tuition if there is a balance in your school account greater than or equal to the amount awarded. If your school account shows that your balance has been paid, we are not able to process your award for tuition, redirect it to other expenses or carry it forward to another term.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF FUNDING I CAN RECEIVE FROM LAST MILE?
There are different maximums allowed based on your collegiate level, but students pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree cannot exceed $10,000 in funding over a lifetime.
CAN I APPLY MORE THAN ONCE?
You are welcome to apply more than once. However, the Last Mile Education Fund is meant to be a source of gap funding and not an alternative to securing other sources of funding, i.e., federal aid, financial aid, employment, etc.
After reading the FAQS and the application for which you are applying, and if you still have more questions, contact grantmaking@lastmile-ed.org.