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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

I am forever thankful for your help, you came through for me when all else had failed.

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. 

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. 

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 graduatio

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 cla

Thank you, this fund allowed me to have the tools I needed to be able to commit to online classes. You made a difference.

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.

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.

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. 

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.