Overcoming challenges on the road to college completion: FIU students speak about the Helios Last Mile Scholarship
Helios grant helps FIU seniors, relieves financial strain
For students at Florida International University (FIU) nearing completion of their degrees, the Helios Last Mile Scholarship is more than just financial assistance—it’s a lifeline. As tuition bills loom and financial pressures intensify, many college seniors find themselves at risk of dropping out, despite being only a few credits away from graduation.
This scholarship program, funded by Helios Education Foundation, addresses this challenge by providing crucial financial support, academic and career coaching, and financial literacy training, ensuring that students cross the finish line and enter the workforce equipped for success.
Since the program was established in 2021, more than 800 students have received the necessary support to complete their degrees.
Easing the financial burdens is key to graduating
One of the most common barriers students face as they approach graduation is financial hardship. For low-income students at FIU, these challenges are particularly acute. Many have successfully navigated most of their academic journey but find themselves struggling to meet the final financial obligations required to earn their degree. Textbooks, tuition, and fees can quickly accumulate, threatening to derail years of hard work.
The Helios Last Mile Scholarship directly addresses these concerns by awarding completion grants of up to $2,000 to students with 90 or more credits, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and unmet financial needs. This financial support not only helps students remain enrolled but also alleviates the stress and anxiety associated with looming tuition payments, enabling them to focus on their studies. The program’s primary goal is to prevent students from dropping out at the very end and ensure they graduate.
- Bridgette Cram, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Florida International University
The Helios Last Mile Scholarship is built on clear goals aimed at improving student outcomes and increasing graduation rates at FIU.
- Increase graduation rates: The scholarship program aimed to ensure that students complete their degrees and transition into the workforce successfully. The program has achieved its goal of an 85% graduation rate within one year of students receiving the scholarship.
- Enhance retention rates: In addition to boosting graduation rates, the program also focused on retention to ensure that students not only stayed enrolled but also received the support they needed to thrive during their final semesters. The program saw a 95% retention rate within one year of students receiving the scholarship.
- Assist with financial support: The Helios Last Mile Scholarship is designed to address the unmet financial needs of FIU students. By awarding scholarships of up to $2,000, the program planned to support an estimated 700 students over four years. It exceeded this goal by helping over 800 students overcome the financial obstacles standing between them and their diplomas.
- Provide academic and career coaching: A key element of the program was providing students with a dedicated College Life Coach. These coaches offer personalized academic and career guidance, conducting check-ins and coaching sessions each semester. This comprehensive support ensures students are well-prepared for the challenges of both their final semesters and the professional world beyond graduation.
- Improve financial literacy: The program places a strong emphasis on financial literacy, ensuring that students complete training designed to help them manage their finances post-graduation. This includes understanding loan repayment options and best practices for budgeting, setting students up for long-term financial success.
The Helios Last Mile Scholarship’s long-term impact
The long-term impact of the Helios Last Mile Scholarship extends far beyond graduation day. For many students, completing their degrees marks the beginning of a successful and fulfilling career. The financial, academic, and career support provided by the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce with confidence.
Furthermore, the financial literacy training offered through the program empowers students to manage their post-graduation finances responsibly, laying the groundwork for future financial independence. For many first-generation college students, this training is critical, as they often lack the financial resources and knowledge that their peers may take for granted.
Beyond individual success, the Helios Last Mile Scholarship is contributing to the broader mission of increasing college completion rates in Florida. By supporting students at a critical point in their academic journey, the program is helping to close the gap in degree attainment, particularly for low-income students.
The program’s comprehensive support model—financial aid, academic and career coaching, and financial literacy training—has proven to be an effective approach for ensuring student success.