Research Practice & Advocacy

Specific Objectives and Goals

Advocacy Through Research

Our research findings drive our advocacy efforts. We use this data-driven evidence to advocate for policy changes that support financially-vulnerable students. Highlights of our efforts include influencing NSF funding changes for Research Experiences for Undergrads (REUs) and other policy improvements.

Our Commitment to Robust Data Practices

At Last Mile, a robust data practice has always been part of our history. With nearly five years of comprehensive funding data on Last Mile students, we have collected information that allows us to assess applications effectively and understand more about who our students are and what their needs entail. 

RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

Our research philosophy is grounded in the use of data to gain a deeper understanding of the needs, challenges, and outcomes of striving, financially vulnerable college students. Our focus is on students who are within four semesters of graduation – those who have proven they can succeed in their degrees – from two- and four-year institutions and who do not have access to a financial safety net. 

ANALYZING & EVALUATING DATA

We analyze our data to identify what contributes to the success of financially vulnerable students and evaluate the effectiveness of the financial awards provided by Last Mile. This analysis helps us develop evidence-based recommendations to improve retention and graduation rates, not only for low-income students but for all students. 

Sharing Our Findings

We are committed to sharing our research findings with policymakers, educators, employers and the public. We produce comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and presentations to disseminate our insights. Additionally, we engage with the media (LINK) to highlight the importance of supporting financially vulnerable students and promote the value of targeted financial support in higher education policy discussions.

Collaboration and Partnerships

We collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify our efforts. Partnerships are essential to our mission, and we work closely with universities, faculty, researchers, and organizational stakeholders. Our Director of Research and Evaluation, Dr. Sarah Outland, leads these efforts, ensuring that our research is impactful and widely disseminated.

Examples of our research reports:

Types of Partnerships:

1. RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS: Joint studies and data sharing with academic institutions, research organizations, and ecosystem partners.

2. ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS: Working with advocacy groups to promote policy changes. 

3. FUNDING AND RESOURCES: Partnering with foundations and corporations to secure funding and resources for students. 

Continuous Learning & Improvement

We foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Our data collection methods are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy and relevance with data privacy and security at the center of these decisions. We use both quantitative and qualitative methods to conduct research and understand our population better, always striving to find understanding and relationships between Last Mile funding and student outcomes.

Metrics for Success:

GRADUATION RATES: Improvement in retention rates for low-income students. 

POLICY CHANGES: Number of policy changes influenced by our advocacy efforts.

EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES: What we know about Last Mile alumni’s employment. 

STAY CONNECTED

Use this new research webpage to track our ongoing projects and findings. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on new research findings and projects. 

CONTACT US: If you are interested in partnering with us or learning more about our work, please contact our Director of Research and Evaluation, Dr. Sarah A. Outland, at sarah.outland@lastmile-ed.org.