Invest in Talent. Unlock America's Economic Potential.

Close the gap for the largest pool of untapped tech innovators in the US

The Problem We Solve

Traditional financial aid systems weren't built for today's students. They assume an uninterrupted path through college, full-time attendance, and a stable home life. But the reality is very different—especially for financially vulnerable, first-generation students in STEM.

Every year, tens of thousands of aspiring technologists leave college in the final stretch—not because they've failed, but because the system has failed them.

At Last Mile, we meet students at the critical moment between college and career. Our model delivers fast, flexible financial support to students within four semesters of graduation in tech and engineering —students who are academically on track but financially vulnerable.

What often stands between students and graduation

Unexpected car repair

Lack of a laptop or childcare

A funding gap in the last semester

Having to choose between paying for utilities, gas, or groceries

These aren’t academic problems. They’re financial ones. And they’re solvable.

A modest investment at the right moment can make the difference between dropping out or launching a career.

And when it does? The return is extraordinary.

Our Approach: Catalytic, Student-Centered Capital

We move quickly—because students can’t wait.

Icon of a cross-section of a wrench with spark lines indicating function or activity.

Unrestricted

Our investments are cash gifts without tax implications or scholarship displacement. WE target high-demand tech and engineering fields where workforce development is critically needed for the innovation that benefits us all.

Icon of a gear with surrounding arrows indicating settings or process

Timely

Rapid response awards delivered in days, not months. Our streamlined process gets funds to students when they need them most, preventing dropouts.

A pink line drawing of a symmetrical flower or star with six petals or points, connected at the center.

Abundance-Minded

We identify talent with demonstrated success, regardless of GPA, institution, or other privilege-influenced metrics. We focus on resilience and commitment. Every eligible student is funded based on need and available resources.

High-Impact

We disrupt the costly bureaucracy of traditional scholarship models and invest directly in students with trust-based philanthropy. We empower students with agency over their educational journey and trust them to know what they need.

A shield icon with a checkmark, symbolizing protection or security.

Reliable

Students can receive more than one award, if needed, ensuring sustained support. Need is validated via FAFSA and case-by-case review.

We treat financially vulnerable students as resilient, investable assets. We trust them to know what they need and give them the resources to make it happen.

Impact

11,000+

STUDENT INVESTMENTS

We don’t limit your use to tuition only. If an expense threatens your ability to stay in school and graduate, we’ll consider it — our investments are cash gifts without tax implications or scholarship displacement

<$3,000

AVERAGE INVESTMENT PER STUDENT

We’re not moving mountains, we’re removing pebbles from shoes. Often that’s all it takes for most students to finish strong.

74%

CONFIRMED GRADUATION RATE

That’s almost triple the national rate for students from the bottom income quartile—and even higher for community college transfers.

246x

$246 IN IMPACT FOR EVERY $1

A multiplier effect unmatched in the sector—turning every dollar into transformative change.

The Numbers Speak For Themselves

Last Mile’s awardees graduate and enter high-wage fields, repaying the investment through lifetime earnings, tax contributions, and reduced reliance on social services.

Last Mile aims to scale up to serve 10,000 students annually. A $300M investment over 10 years yields $4.3Bn in social ROI.

Why It Matters Now

America faces a widening skills gap in technology, engineering, and cybersecurity. Thousands of capable students are forced to leave college in the final stretch—not for lack of talent, but for lack of resources. Every unfinished degree represents lost innovation, lost leadership, and lost opportunity for our nation.

We can change that. Closing the degree gap is a critical, actionable lever to strengthen our workforce, advance economic equity, and fuel American innovation. Your investment ensures these students cross the finish line—and powers the future of our country.

Last Mile is uniquely positioned to scale impact—immediately.

Young woman in graduation cap and gown with honor cords, outdoors with trees and stone pathway.

From Award To Impact

Young woman with long brown hair and glasses taking a selfie outdoors during sunset, with a field and trees in the background.

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. Today Rebekah is finishing her degree and graduating in May 2025.

Rebekah W.
University of Maryland, Class of 2025

A young woman with dark skin and short curly hair standing outdoors near a tree, looking at the camera with a slight smile, wearing a dark green sweatshirt with university lettering.

As a student away from home, the pandemic almost left my sister and I homeless and without support. 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.

Christabel A.,
Philander Smith University, Class of 2022

A smiling man with a beard and short brown hair wearing a blue hoodie and lanyard, standing against a plain gray wall.

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.

Justin V.
Central Connecticut State University Class of 2022

Young woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a white dress and red graduation stole, standing outdoors in a brick archway corridor.

"Free, no strings attached financial support for college students?" I thought, "certainly too good to be true!" I left it at that for a while, as I had never imagined an organization like Last Mile could ever exist. However, during the beginning of my junior year, I found myself facing my own financial challenge, where a broken laptop posed an obstacle for my continuing education. Without a laptop, I wouldn't be able to apply and interview for summer internships, which are one of the most critical ways students can be set up for early-career success. 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 Artificial Intelligence, and started my first full time job at Uber as a Software Engineer! I can't wait to see all the accomplishments from Last Mile students like me in the future, and I look forward to giving back to the Last Mile community.

Flora H.
Stanford University, Class of 2024

A young woman with long blonde hair, glasses, and a necklace, smiling for a selfie in front of a green leafy backdrop.

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 make sure to tell everyone I can about Last Mile, encouraging them to apply. The challenges in my field are tough enough, and I explain how Last Mile can ease the pressure of both school and personal life. With their support, students can focus more on their education and make the most of their academic journey.

Stephanie M.
University of Houston-Downtown, Class of 2026

A woman with glasses smiling outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and dry grass in the background.

Last Mile Education Fund 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. I've recently heard back from the University of New Mexico and I've been accepted into the Department of Computer Engineering program! I will be attending UNM to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a specialization in the Internet of Things. Last Mile gave me the motivation and courage to complete my undergraduate degree which is an opportunity that I'm forever grateful for.

Tamara F.
Northern New Mexico College, Class of 2024

Portrait of a smiling man with dreadlocks and earrings, wearing a hoodie, against a dark background.

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. My initial reaction was that this has to be a unreal. Free funding to help me graduate? It felt too good to be true. But taking that leap changed everything. Last Mile lifted the weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on my education instead of just surviving. Looking back, I wish I had known about it sooner—but instead of dwelling on that, 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.

Beteab T.
St. Cloud University, Class of 2025

A young woman with short dark hair, wearing a black ribbed t-shirt and jewelry, leaning on a green railing against a green background, smiling softly at the camera.

I found Last Mile during my last semester at community college. When I applied, I was working two jobs to make university a reality. I felt a lot of 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.

Rachel M.
University of Maryland, Class of 2022

Young woman in graduation gown and cap smiling, standing in front of a bookshelf filled with colorful books.

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.

Jana J.
University of Houston, Class of 2020

Smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a beige shirt and small hoop earrings, against a dark background.

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.

Felicie T.,
Navajo Technical University, Class of 2023

Why Investors Choose Last Mile

Cost-Efficient & Scalable

Small dollars go far. We’ve deployed over $13M to more than 11,000 students across all 50 states and US territories—with lean operations and tech-enabled systems.

National Reach, Local Impact

Fund a regional initiative, a specific major, or sector-specific fund (like AI, cybersecurity, or semi-conductors). We’ll tailor your investment to your mission and talent needs.

Data-Driven & Transparent

Our impact metrics are tracked in real time. We offer regular reporting, dashboards, and powerful stories to demonstrate progress.

Strong Ecosystem Positioning

We collaborate with faculty, institutions, tech employers, and funders. Your investment doesn’t operate in a silo—it amplifies system-wide change.

You Can Fund Futures. Right Now.

Our lean, nimble operation can stand up a fund in days and have immediate impact

General Operating Support

Invest in our mission broadly, enabling us to grow and scale. Fund students across the country in all STEM disciplines.

Regional Funds

Target your impact to specific states or metropolitan areas. Expand impact in communities you care about.

Workforce Pipelines

Build talent pathways in specific tech disciplines.

Line graph with fluctuating data points and trend lines

Custom Giving Portfolios

Co-create a targeted initiative with measurable ROI

Turning persistence into graduation—and graduation into impact..

Book a Conversation

Speak with our fund development team to donate and about opportunities for partnership.

LET'S TALK

Get our comprehensive 5-year impact analysis and future projections.

See Our Impact Report

DOWNLOAD

Donor FAQs

Have questions about giving to Last Mile? We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions from our community of donors, corporate partners, and foundations—so you can see exactly how your support fuels student success and lasting impact.

Donation Basics

Yes. Last Mile Education Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Absolutely. If you give online, you’ll receive an emailed receipt instantly. For other gifts, we’ll send a receipt by email or mail within a few days.
Yes. You can make a single gift or set up a monthly donation that provides steady support students can count on.
Yes! You can dedicate your gift, and we’ll send a special acknowledgment to the person you choose.

Impact & Use of Funds

Your gift provides real-time support to students facing urgent financial barriers—things like tuition shortfalls, housing, childcare, groceries, or even a broken laptop. These small but decisive investments often determine whether a student graduates or stops short.
Unlike traditional scholarships, we don’t reward only past performance—we invest in potential. Our model is flexible, fast, and built to meet students at the exact moment they need help most. We trust students to know what they need and give them the resources to succeed.
On average, students receive under $3,000. Yet that small amount is often the decisive factor in completing a degree.
The vast majority of funds go straight into student support. We keep overhead lean—less than 20%—so every dollar stretches further.
Every $1 invested generates $246 in social and economic value through higher earnings, increased tax contributions, and stronger communities. Beyond the numbers, your gift fuels degrees, careers, and futures.
Yes. We regularly share student stories and impact updates. You can read our Five Year Impact Report, explore our dashboards and sROI walkthrough on our Impact Page, and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates.

Giving Options

Yes. Donors can support general operations, regional/state-based funds, or workforce-specific pipelines like cybersecurity, semiconductors, or manufacturing. We also collaborate with corporate and philanthropic partners to design customized giving portfolios.
Yes. We accept stock and other non-cash assets via Every.org.
Many do! Check with your HR department—matching programs can instantly double or even triple your impact.

Process & Timing

Very quickly. Our rapid-response model ensures most awards can be disbursed within days of approval. Your gift can make the difference between a student being derailed or graduating on time.
We rely on student applications, faculty referrals, and a transparent review process managed through our secure portal. We don’t use GPA cutoffs or merit barriers—our abundance model centers on sufficiency and urgency.

Trust & Transparency

Yes. We only use donation platforms that meet industry standards for encryption and security, so you can give with confidence.
We are governed by a Board of Directors and undergo independent annual audits. We also publish regular reports on how funds are used and the outcomes they generate.
You can view our most recent Impact Report on our website, which details student outcomes, graduation rates, and social return on investment.