Stories That Move Our Mission Forward
Real voices, real impact, and the future of tech talent.
LATEST BLOG
How Small Awards Create Extraordinary Impact | Last Mile’s Social Return on Investment, Explained
A small, timely Last Mile award—typically under $3,000—can unlock a STEM degree, generate hundreds of thousands in additional earnings and taxes over a decade, and deliver a $246 social return for every $1 invested.
Almost There: My Journey, and the Support That Made It Possible
A delayed scholarship nearly cost an engineering student her degree—until Last Mile’s timely support helped her graduate and launch her semiconductor career.
Beyond Merit: Rethinking Who Deserves to Graduate
Graduation should be based on persistence and potential—not just prior achievement—and traditional merit-based aid often overlooks students who are ready to finish but lack the resources.
Semiconductor Leaders and Last Mile Unite to Secure the U.S. Workforce
A first-generation student balanced work and courses until a rapid award from the Last Mile enabled her to graduate in computer science, start a career in engineering, and pay it forward to others.
Building a Career from the Ground Up: Estela’s Last Mile to a New Life
A first-generation student balanced work and courses until a rapid award from the Last Mile enabled her to graduate in computer science, start a career in engineering, and pay it forward to others.
Avey’s “Last Mile” Moment
A Nigerian transfer student shares how a timely Last Mile award removed financial barriers and helped launch her path to studying human-centered AI at Stanford.
The Hidden Costs of “Almost Graduating”
How students are derailed by small financial shocks, wasting massive public and private investments, deepening workforce shortages, and leaving individuals burdened with debt and no credential.
The Flawed Math of Financial Aid—and the Safety Net That Works
How the traditional financial-aid system fails STEM students by requiring criteria like merit or by delaying support, and how Last Mile steps in with rapid, flexible awards that act as a safety net for students on the brink of being derailed.
The Shifting Landscape of Student Financial Aid
How the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will raise the credit-hour threshold for Pell eligibility, eliminate part-time Pell access, and begin interest accrual on student loans immediately—changes that markedly intensify barriers for financially vulnerable students.
From the First Mile to a PhD
Amanda’s journey from an associate’s degree to a PhD in cybersecurity was supported at every turn by Last Mile—not just financially, but through recognition, mentorship, and opportunity.
Leading With Pride and Purpose
How student-led design, shared values, and strategic partnerships create leaders who act with purpose and advance access.
From a Dream to a Movement: Five Years of Impact with Last Mile Education Fund
How a simple, urgent idea—helping near-graduating students overcome small financial barriers—grew into a national movement that has empowered thousands to finish their degrees and step boldly into the tech and engineering workforce.
Redefining Possible: 12 Students, One Advocate, and the Power of Last Mile
Dr. Deanne Cranford-Wesley’s powerful reflection on how timely support helped her HBCU students push through financial roadblocks, graduate with confidence, and step into careers that once felt out of reach.
Bridging Barriers, Building Futures
How Dr. Al Leaston, a former IT consultant turned college dean, partners with Last Mile to remove financial barriers for IT students and connects them to the mentorship, resources, and industry pathways that launch their careers.
Meet Last Mile's Chief Operations Officer: Caroline Esmurdoc
Introducing the new COO of Last Mile Education Fund—a seasoned 20-year operations executive devoted to expanding STEM access and now leading the organization by building scalable systems and strategic growth for student impact.
How Last Mile is Making Research Experiences Accessible for All
How Last Mile is funding research-experience opportunities so that financially vulnerable students gain the credentials and exposure needed to enter and persist in PhD programs.
Inside the World of Cyber Defenders: A Journey through RSA Conference 2023
How 13 Last Mile students attended the RSA Conference 2023 in San Francisco—thanks to partnerships with Microsoft and Project Cyber—and experienced industry immersion, networking with top cyber professionals, and a transformative exposure to the field.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road: Interview with Alex F. | Cloud Engineering Student
An interview with Alex F., a cloud engineering student, showing how, despite personal and financial hardships, support from Last Mile enabled her to stay focused, complete her tech credentials, and pursue her goals with renewed determination.
5 Reasons College Students Should Join LinkedIn
Five compelling reasons why college students should join LinkedIn to build professional networks, showcase their accomplishments, and access job and internship opportunities.
Innovative Fund Removes Barriers for Undergraduates
Last Mile Education Fund launches a $3 million “last-mile” fund to provide agile financial support to financially vulnerable undergraduates in tech and engineering to overcome small but critical barriers and persist to graduation.
Take Action
We make smart, urgent, catalytic investments. Whether you’re a student who needs support, a donor looking for impact, or a partner ready to change the system—there’s a place for you at Last Mile.