May 16, 2025
The Last Mile Education Fund has a proven model that’s pouring back into the economy
The Last Mile Education Fund, the only nationwide fund supporting college students in tech and engineering, has released its five-year report, showcasing its impressive growth and economic impact.
Among the key findings: a 74% graduation rate, which far surpasses the national average, and a $246 increase in net worth gains for every $1 invested in a Last Mile graduate.
“The numbers speak for themselves—Last Mile is unlocking the largest untapped pool of tech talent in the U.S.,” Ruthe Farmer, founder & CEO of Last Mile Education Fund, said in a press release. “This impact report confirms that financial insecurity should never be a barrier to success, and with continued investment, we can ensure no high-potential student is lost to an unexpected financial hurdle.”
Since 2020, the Last Mile Fund has expanded its reach nationwide, supporting nearly 10,000 students and graduates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. With its student-first funding model, the fund tackles crucial barriers in the tech talent pipeline, helping students facing financial hardship complete their degrees and successfully transition into the workforce.
“Microsoft believes in the power of inclusive opportunity to drive innovation,” said Vanessa Feliberti Bautista, corporate vice president at Microsoft. “Last Mile’s model is not only helping students cross the finish line—it’s unlocking the full potential of the next generation of tech leaders.”
The fund seeks to address research showing that around 14,000 aspiring technologists leave college each year due to financial barriers. Rather than rewarding past performance like traditional scholarships, Last Mile offers modest yet life-changing financial support to students with strong potential to thrive.
With the report showcasing the fund’s proven impact, Last Mile urges industry leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists to rethink how they invest in the future of tech. The goal is to ensure the financially vulnerable yet high-potential students are supported through graduation, which, in turn, fuels economic growth through a more representative talent pipeline.
RELATED CONTENT: St. Louis Legend Jenifer Lewis Awarded Honorary Doctorate, Tells WashU Graduates To Prioritize Mental Health
