Research That Drives Change
Insights → Action
Last Mile was built with data at its core—because real change happens when evidence inspires action. Our mission is to continually learn from our data, share what we discover, and advocate fiercely for striving, financially vulnerable students near graduation in high-demand STEM fields. We don’t just provide awards—we advance systems.
We transform student stories into evidence, evidence into advocacy, and advocacy into lasting impact.
Identify effective financial support strategies for financially vulnerable students.
Develop and disseminate policies and practices for unlocking the potential of Last Mile students that can be adopted by higher education institutions, the tech ecosystem, and tech employers.
Advocate for systems-level change to support access, degree completion and career attainment among financially vulnerable students in high-demand STEM fields.
Our Goals
What We Do
Advocacy Through Research
Our research drives change. Every data point we gather becomes evidence for action, fueling advocacy that removes barriers for financially vulnerable students. With this data-driven approach, we’ve already influenced NSF funding changes for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) and championed other policy improvements that expand opportunity and equity in STEM.
Our Commitment to Robust Data Practices
From the very beginning, Last Mile has been committed to rigorous, purpose-driven data practices. With over five years of comprehensive funding data from our students, we not only evaluate applications effectively—we also uncover deeper insights into who our students are and the challenges they face. This knowledge guides every decision, ensuring that our model meets students where they are, when it matters most.
Our research philosophy begins with a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By grounding our work in data, we gain a deeper understanding of the needs, challenges, and outcomes of financially vulnerable students who are striving to complete their degrees. We focus on those within sight of graduation—students who have already proven their ability to succeed, yet lack the financial safety net to finish. These are the nation’s future innovators, engineers, and technologists—and they are too valuable to lose.
We put our data to work. By analyzing what drives the success of financially vulnerable students, we measure the impact of Last Mile awards and identify the conditions that keep students on track to graduation. Our evaluation generates evidence-based recommendations that strengthen retention and completion not only for striving students, but for higher education as a whole. In doing so, we prove that the right support at the right moment can transform outcomes for individuals, institutions, and the workforce alike.
Turning Evidence Into Impact
At Last Mile, data is more than numbers—it’s a catalyst for transformation. By connecting student stories to measurable outcomes, we illuminate both the urgency and the opportunity before us. This evidence strengthens our call to action for funders, policymakers, and higher education leaders, proving that the right support at the right time does more than help students graduate—it changes the trajectory of entire communities.
From Data To Dialog
We believe research matters most when it drives change. That’s why we share our findings widely—with policymakers, educators, employers, and the public—ensuring the voices of financially vulnerable students are impossible to ignore. Through comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and national presentations, we put evidence into the hands of decision-makers. And by engaging with the media, we shine a spotlight on the urgent need for targeted financial support, reshaping higher education policy to reflect the promise and potential of every student.
Change is a Team Effort
We know lasting change is never built alone. That’s why we forge powerful partnerships—with universities, faculty, researchers, and sector leaders—to amplify our impact and accelerate solutions. Collaboration isn’t just part of our mission; it’s the force that makes it possible. Together, we transform data into action, and potential into progress.
Examples of our research reports:
Partnerships That Multiply Impact
Research Collaborations
We join forces with academic institutions, research organizations, and ecosystem partners to conduct joint studies and share data—building and strengthening the evidence base that drives smarter policy and practice across higher education.
Advocacy Campaigns
Together with advocacy groups, we elevate and amplify student voices and champion bold systemic policy changes that expand opportunity, dismantle barriers, and unlock the nation’s hidden talent.
Funding & Resources
With the support of forward-thinking foundations and corporations, we secure the vital investments and resources that power student success—turning financial obstacles into graduation stories and career launches.
Always Learning, Always Improving
Measuring What Matters
At Last Mile, learning never stops. We cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, where every insight sharpens our impact and every dataset deepens our understanding. Our data practices are regularly reviewed and refined to ensure accuracy, relevance, and the highest standards of privacy and security. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, we go beyond numbers to uncover the real stories and relationships between Last Mile funding and student outcomes. This relentless pursuit of knowledge ensures our model evolves, strengthens, and delivers for the students who need it most.
We believe impact should be more than a promise—it should be proven. These measures ensure that every investment in Last Mile is tied to real, lasting change.
Graduation Rates
Tracking how Last Mile support drives dramatic gains in retention and degree completion for financially vulnerable students.
Policy Changes
Measuring the real-world impact of our advocacy—the policy shifts we’ve influenced to expand opportunity at scale.
Employment Outcomes
Capturing the career trajectories of Last Mile alumni and the critical roles they play in shaping the future workforce.
Behind Every Data Point
-
Kamilla V.
Trinity College
Class of 2025
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. -
Xandria C.
Western Governors University
Class of 2025
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 graduation. -
Amalia T.
CUNY Queens College
Class of 2024
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 classes. -
Patrick B.
Big Sandy Community & Technical College
Class of 2026
Thank you, this fund allowed me to have the tools I needed to be able to commit to online classes. You made a difference.
-
Justin V.
Central Connecticut State University
Class of 2022This 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.
-
Flora H., Stanford University, Class of 2024
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.
-
Tamara F., Northern New Mexico College, Class of 2024
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.
-
Felicie T., Navajo Technical University, Class of 2023
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.
-
Ashley P.
Florida International University
Class of 2026
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. -
Carrie M.
Prairie View A&M University
Class of 2026
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. -
Hawulethu N.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Class of 2026
I am forever thankful for your help, you came through for me when all else had failed. -
Zawadi P.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Class of 2027
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.
-
Jada H.
University of Mississippi
Class of 2026
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! -
Mercy E.
Berea College
Class of 2025
In my first semester of my senior year, I got an email from my college letting me know that I had to pay a balance on my term bill before I would be eligible to enroll for the following semester. I was unable to afford the stated amount since I had already accrued debt from medical bills, food, utilities and I hardly qualified for any loans or grants. The support from Last Mile was very impactful for me since I was in my final year of college. With their support, I was able to opt out of panic mode and actually focus on finishing strong. -
Amena F.
College of Staten Island CUNY
Class of 2022
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. -
Lilliana M.
Texas State University
Class of 2025
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.
-
Christabel A.
Philander Smith University
Class of 2022
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. -
Rachel M.
University of Maryland
Class of 2022
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. -
Jana J.
University of Houston
Class of 2020
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. -
Stephanie M.
University of Houston
Class of 2026
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.
-
Baetab T.
St. Cloud University
Class of 2025
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. -
Rebekah W.
University of Maryland
Class of 2025
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. -
Destany B.
Grinnell College
Class of 2025
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. -
Brian D.
University of Texas at El Paso
Class of 2022
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.
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.