The Hidden Talent Employers Are Missing: 7 Skills Hiding in Plain Sight
Some of the most adaptable, resourceful problem solvers entering the workforce are students who've already proven these strengths while balancing demanding degrees, jobs, and family responsibilities.
Fewer Options, Not Fewer Ambitions: An International Student's Path to a Future in Technology
When a broken computer and mounting expenses threatened Leng Lim’s computer science studies, a Last Mile award gave him room to focus on his degree and future in tech.
Talent is Universal. Opportunity is Not.
In her TEDx talk, Ruthe Farmer shares how closing financial gaps near graduation can unlock overlooked innovators and strengthen the workforce of the future.
Reclaiming My Life, My Purpose, and My Future
After serious health challenges disrupted her education and work, Annalyse is rebuilding her future through studies in AI and Data Technology.
Training Opens the Door. Completion Infrastructure Keeps Learners on the Path.
Ruthe Farmer explains why investments in skilled trades training need completion infrastructure to keep everyday financial emergencies from derailing students before graduation.
When Belief Becomes Momentum
Balancing computer science classes, work, and the Apple Developer Academy, Lilyan found the breathing room she needed through a timely Last Mile award.
Federal Loan Repayment Just Changed: Here’s What Students Need to Know
An overview of changes to federal student borrowing and repayment, with context for students navigating their college finances.
From Foundations to the Future: A Journey into Cybersecurity
Information Security Engineer KaYesu reflects on the persistence, community, and lessons that shaped her cybersecurity career, drawing from her presentation at the 2026 NICE Conference.
Graduation Should Not Be a Collections Strategy
Ruthe Farmer examines how withholding diplomas over unpaid balances blocks graduates’ futures and makes the case for practical alternatives that keep them moving forward.
More Than A Degree
When financial hurdles threatened Delgardo’s mathematics degree, a Last Mile award and a supportive community kept graduation within reach.
The Best Investment You've Never Heard Of
Last Mile’s social return on investment research examines how modest, timely awards can unlock lasting economic benefits for students and society.
From Rock Bottom to Breaking In: How Last Mile Helped Me Build a Cybersecurity Career
Devonie shares how seeking support during a difficult chapter opened a path into cybersecurity and inspired her to encourage other students.
The Next Generation of Researchers Can't Afford to Wait
Casey Koppelson explores why financial access to undergraduate research matters for the students who will drive tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs.
The Price of Gas Shouldn’t Decide Who Gets to Graduate
Rising transportation costs can put a degree out of reach, making everyday expenses a critical part of the college completion equation.
The Chance That Changed My Path
A first-generation student supporting his family, Sid balanced double shifts and cybersecurity studies before a Last Mile award changed his path forward.
The Final Barrier to Graduation Is Not Academic—It Is Financial. And Now We Have the Data to Prove It.
Findings from more than 4,000 students reveal how targeted financial support can close graduation gaps for financially vulnerable STEM students.
Finding My Path in Tech: A First-Generation Journey with Last Mile
Michelle shares how community, mentorship, and support from Last Mile and Basta shaped her journey into tech and her first analyst role.
Why Last Mile Is One of the Lowest-Risk Bets You Can Make in Philanthropy
Invest in students who have already done the hard work and need a final financial bridge to graduation.
Holding Onto Faith While Building My Future
Adiratou reflects on pursuing a Computer Information Systems degree while managing lupus, finding strength in faith, community, and timely support.
The Last Mile Is Where Talent Is Won or Lost
Ruthe Farmer connects America’s tech workforce needs to the financial barriers that prevent academically proven students from completing their degrees.