Last Mile Education Fund’s Model Delivers 246x Return in Economic and Social Impact Over 10 Years, New Data Shows

Posted on April 30th, 2025 | Filed under Press Releases

Newly-released Five-Year Impact Report Details Transformative Support for Financially Vulnerable Students Striving for Careers in Tech and Engineering

LAFAYETTE, Colo., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Last Mile Education Fund, the only nationwide safety net fund for striving college students in tech and engineering, has released its Five-Year Impact Report, revealing extraordinary growth and lasting economic impact. Since 2020, Last Mile has expanded from a vision to a national force, supporting nearly 10,000 students and graduates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Through its dignity-focused funding model, Last Mile addresses critical gaps in the tech talent pipeline, ensuring that students facing financial hardship complete their degrees and enter the workforce. This approach drives a graduation rate of 74%, significantly outpacing the national average. For every $1 invested in a Last Mile graduate, there is a $246 return in net worth gains, increased earnings, and public sector savings—a 246x 10-year social return on investment (sROI)—proving the Fund is a powerful engine for economic mobility and workforce development.

“The numbers speak for themselves—Last Mile is unlocking the largest untapped pool of tech talent in the US,” said Ruthe Farmer, Founder & CEO of Last Mile Education Fund. “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.”

“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.”

Unlike traditional scholarships focused on prior performance, Last Mile provides small but transformative financial support to students with the potential to succeed. Nearly 14,000 aspiring technologists leave college annually due to financial hurdles. As Last Mile scales to meet this need, the organization calls on industry leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists to reimagine investment strategies to support the next generation of tech talent. Ensuring financially vulnerable but high-potential students graduate is critical for economic growth and a representative talent pipeline.

For more information on Last Mile Education Fund and to access the full Five-Year Impact Report, visit LastMile-ed.org/impact.

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