For Frederick Jones, receiving a “Last Mile” grant to finish his education at LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) in Memphis was the “ram in the bush,” he said.
The senior interdisciplinary studies major received the grant this fall under a new initiative at LOC that aims to support undergraduate seniors who are on track to graduation, but have financial barriers affecting their re-enrollment and completion. The “Last Mile” grants – funded by donations from private donors and the Delta Boule Foundation – provide up to $1,500 in emergency aid to students, making the initiative one of the first at a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
“The Last Mile grant itself not only makes it possible for me to finish my education on an undergraduate level, but it did something for me on the inside because it lets me know that all things are possible,” said Jones, a minister and campus leader who is one semester away from graduation.
Jones is among a group of 25 students who collectively received more than $12,000 in “Last Mile” grant aid this fall.
This year’s grants “will have a very positive impact on retention and completion outcomes because most of those students, had they not received those grants, would have dropped out,” said Dr. Joey Edwards, dean of enrollment management, adult studies and continuing education at LOC.
The distribution of “Last Mile” grant aid is based on a student’s classification – seniors first – and then, whether they are graduating in the fall or spring. LOC officials subsequently assess a student’s amount of financial need. Once seniors are covered, juniors are eligible to receive emergency aid, Edwards said.
Aid can be used for any financial barriers such as tuition, housing, fees or books.
