Empowering Students Through the Last Mile Education Fund: Ruthe Farmer’s Entrepreneurial Journey in Social Impact
Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving world, education remains a key to unlocking doors of opportunity. Yet, for many students—particularly those from underrepresented communities—the journey to graduation and a successful career is often marred by financial barriers. Whether related to tuition, transportation, or housing, these challenges can make it nearly impossible for some students to complete their degree programs, despite their potential and determination.
In this blog post, we explore a fascinating conversation between Ruthe Farmer, social entrepreneur and co-founder of The Last Mile Education Fund, and Justyna Kedra, founder of WERULE, on the Let’s Talk Impact podcast in collaboration with The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative. Together, they dive into Ruthe’s entrepreneurial journey and the impactful work of The Last Mile Education Fund—a nationwide social impact venture aimed at helping students overcome financial hurdles to achieve their educational and career goals.
Their discussion sheds light on how Ruthe’s passion for helping students led to the creation of an initiative that bridges the gap for students from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those pursuing careers in STEM fields like tech, computer science, and engineering.
Ruthe Farmer’s Background: A Passion for Education and Advocacy
Ruthe’s career exemplifies the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. With a background in marketing and communications, Ruthe’s early professional life didn’t necessarily point to her eventual role as a social entrepreneur, but she was always motivated by a desire to create meaningful change. Over the past three decades, Ruthe has focused on increasing the participation of women, girls, and underrepresented groups in STEM fields, particularly computer science and engineering.
Her impressive career includes leadership roles at organizations such as the Girl Scouts of the USA, the Obama White House, and the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). Ruthe was also instrumental in launching CS4ALL, a movement to bring computer science education to every public school in the United States.
However, it wasn’t until 2019 that Ruthe took on the role of a traditional entrepreneur when she co-founded The Last Mile Education Fund. What started as a “side hustle” soon turned into a nationwide initiative that has provided financial assistance to thousands of students who faced barriers to completing their education.
The Genesis of The Last Mile Education Fund
The idea for The Last Mile Education Fund arose from Ruthe’s personal experiences and observations working with students from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those pursuing STEM careers. One pivotal moment that inspired the creation of the Fund was when Ruthe learned of a student who, due to financial constraints, was at risk of missing a career-changing internship. The student—a junior at a prestigious university—couldn’t afford the travel costs for the opportunity, and without financial assistance, would have to miss out on the internship and its potential to shape her future career.
This wasn’t an isolated case. Ruthe realized that many students were struggling with similar barriers, especially in the final stages of their academic careers. While some financial aid programs existed, they often weren’t enough or didn’t address the specific needs of students nearing graduation.
This realization led to the creation of The Last Mile Education Fund—a fund designed to provide “gap funding” to students in their final stages of education, covering expenses like housing, transportation, and supplies. Ruthe’s mission was simple but powerful: to ensure that all students, regardless of their financial background, had the support they needed to complete their degrees and pursue successful careers.
Why Late-Stage Funding is Crucial
The final stages of a student’s education are often the most crucial, but they can also be the most financially difficult. Ruthe’s observation that “rich kids graduate, poor kids don’t” reflects the harsh reality many low-income students face. Without basic financial stability, these students are at risk of not completing their education—despite being deeply invested in their programs.
Late-stage funding, which covers the final expenses preventing graduation, is essential in leveling the playing field. The Last Mile Education Fund ensures that financial hardship does not become a barrier to a student’s academic success.
Scaling the Impact: The Last Mile Education Fund’s Reach
Since its founding, The Last Mile Education Fund has made significant progress in supporting students across the United States. As of 2024, the Fund has distributed over $10 million to more than 8,000 students pursuing degrees in tech, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, and engineering.
What sets the Fund apart is its commitment to diversity. It specifically supports women, non-binary individuals, and students of all races pursuing STEM degrees, reflecting Ruthe’s dedication to increasing diversity in these fields and providing students from underrepresented backgrounds with the resources they need to succeed.
Additionally, the Fund has expanded its reach through initiatives like the New York City STEM Talent Fund, which supports students in math, neuroscience, and physics programs at colleges and universities throughout the city, helping them cover graduation and job placement expenses.
The Power of Networks: Connecting Students with Resources
While financial support is crucial, Ruthe also recognizes the importance of networks and mentorship in a student’s success. Through her career, she has built strong relationships with companies, organizations, and networks that offer valuable opportunities to students in STEM fields.
The Last Mile Education Fund doesn’t just offer funding—it connects students with industry-specific resources like conferences, internships, interview preparation, and mentoring programs. This holistic approach ensures that students have the support they need not just to graduate, but to thrive in their careers.
For example, Ruthe recalls helping a student who didn’t know internships could be paid—a common gap in knowledge among students who don’t have the social networks of their wealthier peers. With Ruthe’s intervention, this student was able to secure an internship and, ultimately, a job after graduation.
The Road Ahead: Scaling the Last Mile Education Fund
Looking ahead, Ruthe is committed to scaling The Last Mile Education Fund further. With a goal of serving 10,000 students by early next year, the Fund is expanding its reach to ensure more students have access to the financial support they need to complete their degrees and enter the workforce.
Ruthe’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t always have to involve creating entirely new industries or solving complex global problems. Sometimes, the most impactful work is addressing the simple yet critical needs of individuals—like ensuring a student has the financial means to cross the graduation finish line.
For more insights into Ruthe’s journey and the mission behind The Last Mile Education Fund, listen to her conversation with Justyna Kedra on the Let’s Talk Impact podcast:
About the podcast
Let’s Talk Impact is a podcast series that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Hosted by Justyna Kedra and produced by The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and WERULE, the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of changemakers. From government officials to activists and entrepreneurs, these guests share their insights on the evolving definition of impactful work and the motivations driving their efforts. By focusing on the stories behind the initiatives, Let’s Talk Impact aims to inspire and inform listeners about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world.
About the host
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she successfully finished their toughest major: Fashion Design. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
About the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
About WERULE
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.