Redefining Possible: 12 Students, One Advocate, and the Power of Last Mile

Dr. Deanne Cranford-Wesley

Director of Cybersecurity | North Carolina Central University

Imagine you're a student, just a few semesters away from graduating with a degree in computer science. You've worked incredibly hard, balancing part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and your studies. But now, you're facing a financial hurdle that threatens to defer your dreams. This is where Last Mile Education Fund steps in. I first heard about Last Mile Education Fund at a conference in 2023. I went over to the table where I met Ruthe Farmer, and she told me how the organization helped low-income students pursuing tech and engineering degrees meet their educational goals. At that time, I thought she was a godsend, as I had two students that needed her help immediately.

I told her about these young women, and she immediately said, “Here is my contact information. Tell them to go to this site and apply. When they do, send me an email.” That is all it took to get these two young ladies the help they needed to stay on track and finish their educational goals.

Last Mile Education Fund has a direct impact on students’ success. Since the time we were introduced to the organization, I have had 12 students that I am aware of receiving funding, but there are so many more I have introduced to the organization. The two ladies I mentioned have completed their degree requirements—one is working in the technology field, and one is working but looking for a technology position that fits her specifications. This would not have happened if Last Mile Education Fund had not stepped up to assist these two young ladies and the many other students that reached out to this organization for assistance. Currently, Last Mile Education Fund has invested more than $51,000 in funding to students at North Carolina Central University. It is amazing, and we are grateful to this organization.

Since my introduction to Ruthe Farmer and the organization, I have collaborated with Last Mile Education Fund on several initiatives. We have submitted a collaborative proposal for a SIGCSE submission at an HBCU conference to bring awareness to the organization and the great work they are doing. A team from Last Mile Education Fund, recipients of the scholarship, and I presented at the NICE Conference in 2024 to bring awareness to the organization and talk about the impact the organization is having on students globally. I am looking forward to our continuous collaboration.

I am so impressed by the impact on our students, specifically as we are a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and our students don’t receive assistance for car repairs, rent, food instability, power assistance, and parking passes. The scholarship is different from any other I have come to know, which makes it unique. I also invited this organization to our Cybersecurity Symposium to bring more awareness to this organization. During the symposium, I met a dynamic member of the Last Mile staff; her name is Jade. She navigated all the students’ questions as they scurried around her table to obtain information about the funding opportunity. I look forward to continuing to advocate for Last Mile Education Fund. This type of organization is very important to students’ graduation success. I would recommend that faculty communicate this resource to students each semester; add it to your welcome speech or syllabi. As educators, we are the first line to the students. We must not only give them learning experiences, but we must also give them resources to survive as they move towards completion of their educational pursuits.