News and Events

Are you a college student pursuing a computing, technology, or engineering degree who could use extra support to stay on track toward graduation? The Last Mile Education Fund is here to help!

The Last Mile Education Fund provides rapid financial assistance to students nearing the completion of their degree who encounter unexpected expenses or barriers that could prevent them from graduating. Rather than focusing on GPA or traditional merit, Last Mile focuses on your potential and persistence.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible if you:

• Are currently enrolled in a college or university in the U.S.

• Are pursuing a computing, tech, or engineering-related major

• Are within a few semesters of completing your degree

• Have an urgent financial need (e.g., tuition balance, laptop repair, rent, car payment, emergency expense, etc.)

What You Can Receive

• Rapid-response grants ranging from $100 to $10,000

• Funding decisions made quickly to help you continue your studies without interruption

• Connection to a community of support and mentorship for future opportunities in tech

How to Apply

1. Visit the official website: lastmile-ed.orgLinks to an external site.

2. Click Apply Now and complete the short online form

3. Describe your current challenge and how the funds would help you graduate

📅 Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis!

Apply Now at lastmile-ed.org/applyLinks to an external site.

2025-07-21_One Pager_Last Mile.pdf

The Computing Research Association (CRA) recently hosted an insightful webinar to help undergraduate and graduate students in computing learn about the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) — one of the most prestigious fellowships in STEM.

Speakers:
Kayley McDonald and Sheila Khan, CRA-E Program Associates
Featuring: Erik Russell, Jeff Forbes (CRA), and Susanne Hambrusch (Purdue University)

This session is especially helpful for:

• Senior undergraduates considering research-based graduate programs

• First-year graduate students preparing a CISE GRFP submission

• Faculty and mentors supporting student applications

Watch the Recording: webinar recording link hereLinks to an external site.

Speakers discussed:

• Eligibility for computing and CISE applicants

• Tips for writing strong Personal Statements and Research Plans

• Demonstrating Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts

• Common pitfalls reviewers see in computing applications

• Key deadlines and trusted NSF GRFP resources

Key Q&A Takeaways:

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents pursuing a full-time research-based MS or PhD.

• Concurrent Fellowships: Non-federal fellowships may be combined with GRFP support (institution approval required).

• GRE: Not required.

• Relevant Experiences: Include research, internships, hackathons, and technical competitions.

• Graduate Advisor: If you don’t have one yet, list your graduate program director.

• Feedback: All applicants receive reviewer comments.

• Funding: $37,000 annual stipend + $16,000 cost-of-education allowance (3 years of support over 5 years).

Important Deadlines:

• Reference Letters: Friday, November 7, 2025 — 5:00 p.m. ET

• CISE Applications: Tuesday, November 12, 2025 — 5:00 p.m. (local time)

🔬 Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) – U.S. Department of Energy

Deadline: January 20, 2026

A 10-week paid summer internship for undergraduate and master’s STEM students.
Work on cutting-edge energy and critical minerals research at a DOE National Laboratory or DOE Headquarters.
Participants present their findings at the annual MLEF Technical Forum.
Strengthen the pipeline of future STEM professionals — the program has supported 1,000+ students nationwide.

LEARN MORE HERELinks to an external site.

⚡ DOE Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) Postdoctoral Research Program

Deadline: January 15, 2026

Conduct independent, mission-aligned research in fusion energy and plasma science.
Gain access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge technologies, and leading scientists. 
Enhance your early-career training, technical expertise, and marketability in fusion energy disciplines.

LEARN MORE HERELinks to an external site.

🛡️ Homeland Security HS-POWER Research Experience

Deadline: January 5, 2026

Engage in research across the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component agencies.
Learn directly from top scientists and subject matter experts in homeland security fields.
Network with peers and professionals while contributing to real-world DHS research.

LEARN MORE HERELinks to an external site.

🏗️ DOE EM STARS Scholarship

Deadline: December 12, 2025

For undergraduate students at Minority Serving Institutions pursuing STEM fields supporting DOE Environmental Management work in:

• Soil & Groundwater

• Deactivation & Decommissioning

• Tank Waste

• Robotics

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Machine Learning & AI

• Cybersecurity

 EM STARS provides up to two years of financial support while you work toward your undergraduate degree or master’s degree.                                                                                                                 You'll get hands-on experience through internships with the Environmental Management (EM) team at one of their sites. 

LEARN MORE HERELinks to an external site.