Fellowship Aims to Increase Computing Degrees Among Indigenous Women by 20%

UNITED STATES, October 24, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Today, Last Mile Education Fund announced the call for applications for the 2nd cohort of the Fellowship for Indigenous Women in Tech, a direct-service-model fund supporting this critical population in the completion of computing-related degrees. Launched in 2022 with backing from Capital One and the Hopper Dean Family Foundation, the initiative aspires to increase the national percentage of Indigenous women receiving computing degrees by 20%.

Indigenous women (Native American, Alaskan Native, and Pacific Islanders) are among the most underrepresented populations of tech graduates, with only 84 Indigenous women receiving degrees in computer and information sciences in 2022 (source: nces.ed.gov/).

Ruthe Farmer, Founder and CEO of Last Mile, firmly believes in the transformative potential of Indigenous women in tech. “The voices of Indigenous women are missing from the technology design table,” Ruthe Farmer, founder and CEO of Last Mile, said. “Investing in these talented women will not only increase their economic mobility but will benefit all of us through the technology innovations they create.”

The Fellowship goes beyond one-off scholarships and grants, providing Indigenous students with sustained funding to afford the opportunity to focus on their studies, graduate sooner, and launch their technical careers earlier. From bridging tuition fee gaps to aiding in monthly necessities such as food, rent, and transportation, to reducing work hours, the Fellowship is all-encompassing. Additionally, grantees receive the support and community of a cohort of peers pursuing parallel paths.

Sadie Belton, a participant in the 2022 cohort from Pisinmo’o Village in the Tohono O’odham Tribe, shared her reflection on the opportunity:

"Being a part of the Fellowship for Indigenous Women in Tech has been a transformative journey. It's not just about the financial support, though that has been crucial in reducing the barriers I faced. It's about the sense of belonging to a community of strong, like-minded Indigenous women. We're not just pursuing degrees; we're shaping the future of technology, ensuring that our voices and experiences are heard."

Applications will be accepted October 24, through November 20, 2023.

Each application is considered individually, and approved grantees receive customized funding to facilitate their success. Students can apply now at https://www.lastmile-ed.org/fellowship-indigenous-women.

Faculty or community members who would like to recommend eligible students for this fund can nominate them at https://www.lastmile-ed.org/refer-a-student. 

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About Last Mile Education Fund 
 
Last Mile Education Fund is a national non-profit organization addressing social mobility and tech diversity through investment in overlooked and under-resourced talent. Since 2020, Last Mile has supported thousands of students completing degrees in high-demand STEM fields. www.lastmile-ed.org 

Treasure Washington
Last Mile Education Fund
+1 970-340-8645
email us here

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