Scholarship is more than money!
The Last Mile Scholarship
Overview
The Last Mile Scholarship provides funding for a student’s last college credits, helping him or her graduate and “cross the finish line.” More than a financial donation, scholars are generally selected during their junior year and participate in periodic informal social dialogue with the donors building a relationship that leads up to and beyond graduation. Last Mile Scholars become a part of selecting and engagement with future scholars.
Funding the Last Credits instead of the First:
Often the amount of scholarship money awarded to high school students is more than they have ever had and they are not prepared to manage the money through four years of college. As a result, many run out of money in their junior or senior year causing them to struggle or not finish their degrees.
Scholarship Amount:
· Begins at $500
· Can be increased by current or additional donors
Tianna Harris, the first Last Mile Scholar
NSU 2019
Last Mile Scholar Requirements
Demonstrate a determination to complete his or her degree· Say how they will accomplish something and not why they can’t do something· Has a positive voice about their college and college experience· Demonstrates a willingness to help others· Has a willingness to engage in periodic dialogue with donors· Has a willingness to participate in the selection of future Last Mile Scholars
Scholar Selection:· Candidates are identified by or recommended to the donor “committee”· If more than one candidate – selection is by interview process· Scholar is generally notified during the junior year
2020 NSU Last Mile Scholar Eloise Nieto and 2019 NSU Last Mile Scholar Tianna Harris
History of the Last Mile Scholarship
Daryl and Evelyn Hulce created the scholarship in 2019 at Nova Southeastern University to help students that demonstrate both academic and financial determination in the effort to complete their degrees. As undergraduates, Daryl and Evelyn both worked the maximum number of hours under student employment and had people that were genuinely interested in their well being and future success. The Last Mile Scholarship is an effort to return this kindness to deserving students.
In 2021 Ave Maria University became the second school in the United States to establish a Last Mile Scholarship. People living in the Ave Maria community wanted to develop a relationship with people at the school and setup the framework for the scholarship.
Part of the fun is monthly lunch or dinner with the scholars