Financial barriers shouldn't determine a student's future.

Grad Village Corporation helps postsecondary students overcome critical financial and resource barriers, creating pathways to educational completion, credential attainment, workforce opportunity, and economic mobility.

Support our mission Explore our programs

Are you a student? Apply for assistance

Illustration

The problem we're addressing

Students do the hard part. Then a balance stands in the way.

Students graduate from high school, enroll, and work toward a better future. But one unpaid balance, one missing textbook, or one final fee can stop their momentum.

For many students, the barrier between them and a credential isn't a lack of effort. It's an enrollment fee, a tuition gap, a transportation cost, or an outstanding institutional balance that holds back a diploma or transcript they already earned.

When that happens, students lose more than a semester. They can lose access to employment, promotions, licensing, and graduate school. Families lose stability, and employers lose skilled workers.

6.6 million

students nationally have "stranded credits," meaning a transcript or credential held back because of an unpaid balance to their institution.

Source: Ithaka S+R, Solving Stranded Credits (opens in a new tab) (October 2020). Estimates range from 1.4 to 8.3 million.

Three programs. One mission. Stronger futures.

Each program meets students at a different point in their journey, with the same goal: a finished credential and a path into the workforce.

How Grad Village works

Verified need. Direct payment. Measured results.

Every request is reviewed against documented criteria, and approved funds go directly to the school or an approved vendor. Students never receive cash directly.

Why educational completion matters

A credential is where education turns into opportunity.

Employers, licensing boards, and graduate programs ask for the diploma or the transcript, not the coursework. Completion is the moment education becomes something a student can use.

CompletionFinal credits finished, balances resolved.

CredentialDiploma, certificate, or transcript released.

EmploymentEligibility for roles, licensing, and promotion.

MobilityGreater household stability over time.

CommunityA stronger Delaware talent pipeline.

Measurable organizational impact

We report what we can verify. Nothing more.

Grad Village tracks every student served, every dollar paid directly to an institution, and every credential completed or released. We'll publish results here as our first verified cohorts complete, with clear definitions and date ranges.

See our reporting framework

First report pending

Students served

Unique students receiving approved support.

First report pending

Credentials released

Diplomas or transcripts confirmed released.

First report pending

Paid to institutions

Dollars sent directly to schools or vendors.

First report pending

Final credits completed

Last Mile students finishing requirements.

Portrait of Jamila Bishop, founder and Executive Director of Grad Village Corporation — **Jamila Bishop**Founder and Executive Director

Founder story

It started with a tuition bill and a layoff on the same day.

"I knew what my son had worked for. I also knew a single bill shouldn't be what decides whether a student finishes."

Jamila Bishop received her son's college tuition bill on the same day she was laid off. Navigating that moment showed her how quickly a financial setback can threaten years of a student's effort, and how much difference a community can make.

She founded Grad Village Corporation to connect students with that community in a structured, transparent way.

Read our story

Ways to give

Every gift goes toward a verified, documented need.

Give once

Make a one-time gift to where the need is greatest or to a specific program.

Make a gift (opens in a new tab)

Give monthly

Recurring gifts give the programs steady, predictable support all year.

Start monthly giving (opens in a new tab)

Honor someone

Make a tribute or memorial gift in the name of a graduate, teacher, or loved one.

Give in honor (opens in a new tab)

Through work

Ask about employer matching, corporate gifts, and program sponsorship.

Corporate giving

$300,000

Our annual fundraising objective

This is the goal that funds Last Mile Funding, Diploma Lock, and the Student Success Program, along with the operations behind them. We'll show progress here once it's tied to verified financial records.

Corporate and foundation partnerships

Invest in completion. Strengthen the workforce.

Foundations, employers, and institutions can fund a program, sponsor a cohort of students, or help us reach the students who need us most.

Visit the Funders Center Explore partnerships

Stay close to the work.

Get program updates, student stories shared with permission, and reports on where support goes. A few emails a year, no more.

It takes a village.

Help a student finish what they started.

Donate now (opens in a new tab)Apply for assistance

Home / Programs

Three programs. One mission. Stronger futures.

Students face different barriers at different moments. Our programs are built for the moments that most often stop a student short of a credential.

Our programs

Compare programs

Not sure which applies? The program finder asks three questions and points you to the right place.

Feature	Last Mile Funding	Diploma Lock	Student Success Program
Who it's for	Enrolled students close to finishing	People who completed requirements but can't access their credential	Students who need resources and guidance to continue their education
Key eligibility	20 credits or fewer remaining	All academic requirements complete; qualifying outstanding institutional balance	Criteria in development
Type of support	Financial assistance for qualifying final costs	Financial assistance toward a qualifying balance	Resource navigation, guidance, and referrals
How funds move	Paid directly to the school or approved vendor	Paid directly to the institution	Not a cash program
Outcome we track	Final credits and credential completed	Credential or transcript released	Persistence and completion

Home / Programs / Last Mile Funding

Helping students finish what they started.

Last Mile Funding provides targeted financial assistance to eligible postsecondary students who have 20 credits or fewer remaining toward completing their educational requirements.

Fund Last Mile students (opens in a new tab)Check eligibility

The need for last-mile assistance

The students closest to finishing often have the most to lose. They've invested years of work and tuition, and a single semester's gap can undo it.

A tuition shortfall, a required fee, books for a final course, or the cost of getting to class can force a student to leave school just short of the finish. Many never return. Last Mile Funding is designed for exactly that moment.

What "the last mile" looks like

Credits completedFinal 20 or fewer

Illustration only. Credit totals vary by program.

Students served

Students enrolled in college, trade school, certificate, or professional programs who are near completion and facing a qualifying financial obstacle.

Eligibility requirements

20 credits or fewer remaining toward your credential
Currently enrolled or eligible to re-enroll at an accredited institution
A documented, education-related financial barrier
Delaware residency or enrollment at a Delaware institution

Eligible educational expenses

Final tuition gaps
Required course and program fees
Books and supplies for remaining courses
Transportation needed to attend
Other verified education-related costs, approved case by case

Assistance amounts and availability depend on funding. Applying does not guarantee approval.

Verification and direct payment

Every request is verified before approval, and funds go directly to the institution or an approved vendor.

Verification

We confirm enrollment, credits remaining, and the specific balance or cost through institutional documents such as a degree audit, tuition bill, or account statement.

Direct-to-institution payment

Approved funds are paid to the school or approved vendor. Students do not receive cash.

Expected outcomes

We track completion of final credits, credential conferral, and, with permission, early workforce outcomes.

How students apply

Start with the program finder, gather your documents, and submit a secure application. We'll confirm we received it and let you know if we need anything else.

Go to Apply for Assistance

How donors and funders help

Designate a gift to Last Mile Funding, or contact us about funding a cohort of students as a foundation or corporate partner.

Give to Last Mile Funding (opens in a new tab)Funder information

Home / Programs / Diploma Lock

They earned their credentials. Help them receive them.

Diploma Lock addresses financial barriers affecting individuals who have completed their academic requirements but cannot obtain their diploma, transcripts, or other credentials because of a qualifying outstanding institutional balance.

Unlock a credential (opens in a new tab)Check eligibility

The credential access problem

Some students finish every class and every requirement, then find that an unpaid balance stands between them and the document that proves it.

Policies differ by institution and state. Some schools hold diplomas, some hold official transcripts, and some limit other records. Delaware and other states have adopted rules on transcript withholding, so the specific barrier depends on the school and the situation.

Without access to an earned credential, a graduate may be unable to verify their degree for an employer, apply for a license, earn a promotion, or enroll in further study.

Requirements complete. Credential held.

Eligibility

All academic requirements for the degree, certificate, or credential are complete
A qualifying outstanding balance owed to the institution is preventing access to the diploma, transcript, or credential
The institution can confirm the balance and agrees to release the credential once it is resolved
Residency or institution criteria

Assistance procedure

Balance verification. We confirm the amount directly with the institution's billing or registrar office.
Review and approval. The request is reviewed against program criteria and available funds.
Direct payment. Approved funds are paid directly to the institution.
Release verification. We confirm the credential or transcript was released.

Measurable outcomes

Credentials and transcripts released, balances resolved, and, with permission, employment or continuing-education outcomes after release.

Student applications

Applicants will need proof of completed requirements and a current balance statement. See the document checklist.

Sponsorship

Employers and foundations can sponsor credential releases for a group of graduates. Talk with us.

Help a graduate receive what they earned.

Give to Diploma Lock (opens in a new tab)Funder information

Home / Programs / Student Success Program

Supporting students beyond the financial barrier.

Money solves the immediate problem. Resources, guidance, and connections help students stay on track to the finish and into what comes next.

Support student success (opens in a new tab)Ask about the program

Program overview

Many students who leave school early face more than one barrier at once: a financial gap alongside unclear next steps, competing obligations, or no one to ask.

The Student Success Program is designed to address those barriers through resource navigation, guidance, and connections to the right support. As funding and capacity allow, it will include workshops for students and the families supporting them.

Student needs addressed

Knowing which resources exist and how to reach them
Staying enrolled through setbacks
Planning a path to completion
Connecting education to a career

Service areas

Resource navigation

Help finding scholarships, grants, help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and campus supports.

Academic persistence

Guidance to stay enrolled and plan the remaining path to completion.

Mentorship and guidance

Connections to mentors who understand the journey.

Financial literacy

Workshops on budgeting, aid, and managing educational costs.

Career readiness

Career exploration and links to workforce development partners.

Community referrals

Referrals to community organizations for needs beyond education, including wellness resources.

Expected outcomes

Students who stay enrolled, students who complete, and students connected to career resources, measured with definitions published on our Impact page.

Funding priorities

Workshop delivery, resource navigation capacity, and partnerships with schools, libraries, community centers, and workforce organizations.

Partner with the program

Corporate partners can sponsor workshops, offer mentors, or host career exploration. Start a conversation.

Home / About

Built on the belief that community changes outcomes.

Grad Village Corporation is a Delaware nonprofit helping postsecondary students and adult learners start, stay, and finish.

Our story

On the same day Jamila Bishop received her son's college tuition bill, she was laid off.

She knew how hard her son had worked to get there. She also saw how a sudden financial setback could put years of effort at risk, and how few structured ways there were for family, friends, and community to step in.

That experience became the foundation for Grad Village. Through Cornell University's Women's Entrepreneurship Certificate Program and the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program, Jamila interviewed students, families, and education leaders to understand where postsecondary funding gaps appear and why students stop short of finishing.

What she found shaped the organization's focus: helping students start school, stay enrolled, and resolve outstanding balances so they can receive the credentials they earned.

Mission

Remove the barriers between students and completion.

Grad Village Corporation works to remove financial and resource barriers that prevent postsecondary students and adult learners from completing their education and advancing into meaningful workforce opportunities.

Vision

A Delaware where no earned credential goes unclaimed.

We envision communities where every student who does the work can finish, receive their credential, and build a stable career, strengthening families and the regional economy.

What guides us

Community first

No student succeeds alone. We believe in the collective power of people who care.

Radical transparency

Donors and families deserve to know exactly where their support goes.

Equity in education

Every student deserves an equal shot at finishing their degree, regardless of financial background.

Real impact

We measure success in credentials earned, not just dollars raised.

Leadership

Executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Jamila Bishop

Founder and Executive Director

Jamila brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, including operations management, crisis response, and program development. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminology and sociology and an associate degree in paralegal studies, and completed Cornell University's Women's Entrepreneurship Certificate Program and the National Science Foundation's I-Corps Propelus program. She is a member of the National Small Business Association Leadership Council and participates in the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation's E3 Program.

Jamila Bishop on LinkedIn (opens in a new tab)

Board of Directors

Wayne Smith

President

Michelle Brooks

Secretary

Barbara Smith

Treasurer

Governance

An independent board oversees Grad Village Corporation's mission, finances, and accountability.

The Board of Directors approves the annual budget, reviews financial reports, sets program policy, and oversees the Executive Director. Officers include a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

See our transparency commitments

Board approval of the annual budget and program policies
Regular financial reporting to the board by the Treasurer
Conflict-of-interest disclosures by directors and officers
Documented eligibility verification for every award
Direct payments to institutions and approved vendors
Annual outcome reporting to donors and partners

Home / Donate

Help a student finish what they started.

Your gift supports verified, documented needs, paid directly to schools and approved vendors. Whether it's $25 or $1,000, it changes what's possible for a real student.

Make your gift

Donations to Grad Village Corporation are processed securely by Zeffy, our donation platform. You can give once or monthly, choose your amount, and receive an emailed tax receipt.

See a sample receipt (PDF, 1 page; donor details removed) (opens in a new tab). Text version: each receipt shows Grad Village Corporation's name, address and EIN (39-3180846), your name and address, the date and amount of your gift, a receipt number, and the statement that you received no goods or services in exchange.

Donate securely on Zeffy (opens in a new tab)

Zeffy is free for nonprofits. At checkout it may suggest an optional tip to Zeffy; you can change it to $0.

Gifts are made to Grad Village Corporation, a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 39-3180846), and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How your gift is used

Every award is tied to a verified, documented need.
Funds are paid directly to schools or approved vendors, never as cash to students.
Designated gifts support the program you choose.
You'll receive an emailed receipt for your records.

About designated gifts

When you choose a program, your gift is restricted to that program. If a program is fully funded for the year, or no longer operates, the board may redirect designated gifts to the most similar purpose and we'll let you know.

Other ways to give

Employer matching gifts

Many employers match employee donations. Check with your HR team and use our legal name, Grad Village Corporation, and EIN 39-3180846.

Corporate gifts and sponsorship

Sponsor a program, a workshop, or a cohort of students. Explore partnerships.

Give by check

Make checks payable to Grad Village Corporation and mail to 405 W 34th St, Ste B, Wilmington, DE 19802.

Planned giving

To include Grad Village in your estate plans, contact us and we'll follow up personally.

Home / Funders Center

Invest in educational completion. Strengthen workforce opportunity.

Grad Village Corporation closes the final financial gaps between students and their credentials, with verified need, direct payments to institutions, and outcomes you can track.

Start a funding conversation Review documents

Organizational overview

Legal name: Grad Village Corporation
Status: 501(c)(3) public charity, recognized by the IRS effective April 29, 2025
EIN: 39-3180846
Founded: April 29, 2025
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware
Candid profile: Gold Transparency 2026. View profile (opens in a new tab)
Geographic focus: Delaware, beginning in Wilmington; future expansion is a goal
Population served: Postsecondary students and adult learners in college, trade school, certificate, and professional programs, including first-generation and low-income students

The need

Financial hardship is a leading reason students leave postsecondary programs before finishing. Tuition gaps, fees, books, housing, and transportation all add pressure.

Students who complete their requirements can still be blocked by unpaid institutional balances. An estimated 6.6 million students nationally have stranded credits, owing an average of $2,335 to their institutions ($631 at community colleges), or about $15 billion in total. Source: Ithaka S+R, Solving Stranded Credits (opens in a new tab) (October 2020).

When students can't finish or access their credentials, families lose stability, communities lose talent, and employers lose skilled workers. Completion is a workforce issue as much as an education issue.

Our solutions

Funding opportunities

Support can be restricted to a program or flexible. We're working toward an annual budget of approximately $300,000.

Last Mile Funding grants

Fund final-semester costs for students near completion.

Diploma Lock grants

Fund credential releases for students who finished their requirements.

Student Success grants

Fund workshops, navigation, and persistence support.

General operating support

Flexible funding for verification, administration, and reporting.

Capacity building

Staffing, evaluation, and systems that let us serve more students.

Technology and infrastructure

Secure intake, case management, and donor systems.

Institutional partnerships

Co-designed initiatives with schools, employers, and public agencies.

Pilot cohorts

Sponsor a defined group of students through the finish line.

Accountability and oversight

Grad Village is designed to protect students, donors, and public partners. Support is provided only after need is verified, and payments go directly to schools or approved vendors.

Visit the Transparency page

Gold Transparency 2026Grad Village Corporation has earned Candid's Gold Seal of Transparency by sharing its mission, programs, leadership, and goals publicly.View our Candid profile (opens in a new tab)

Need verification
Proof of enrollment or completed requirements
Tuition and balance confirmation with the institution
Direct payments only
Required documentation on file
Written permission before any story is shared
False information policy
Outcome tracking
Donor transparency reporting

Measurable outcomes

We measure students served, dollars paid directly to institutions, final credits completed, credentials released, persistence, and, with permission, workforce outcomes. Funders receive reports with definitions, date ranges, and de-identified data.

See the measurement framework

Reporting to funders

Grant-period reports on agreed indicators
Annual organizational report
Consent-based student stories
Financial reporting by restricted fund

Grantmaker resource center

Available documents can be requested now; others are being prepared and will appear here once approved.

Funder inquiry

Tell us about your organization and interests. We'll respond within two business days.

Prefer to talk directly? Email jb@gradvillage.org or call 302-553-6852.

Home / Transparency

Transparency and accountability

Donors, families, and partners deserve to know exactly who we are and where support goes.

Organization

Legal name: Grad Village Corporation
EIN: 39-3180846
Tax-exempt status: 501(c)(3) public charity, recognized by the IRS in a determination letter dated September 17, 2025, effective April 29, 2025. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
State: Delaware nonprofit corporation
Address: 405 W 34th St, Ste B, Wilmington, DE 19802
Contact: jb@gradvillage.org, 302-553-6852

Gold Transparency 2026Grad Village Corporation has earned Candid's Gold Seal of Transparency by sharing its mission, programs, leadership, and goals publicly.View our Candid profile (opens in a new tab)

Related entity

Grad Village LLC is a separate legal entity associated with the Grad Village technology platform. Donations to Grad Village Corporation support the nonprofit's charitable programs and are not payments to Grad Village LLC. Activities on the platform are not all charitable programs of the nonprofit.

How program funds are paid

Approved assistance is paid directly to educational institutions or authorized vendors. Students do not receive unrestricted cash. Every payment is tied to a verified need and supporting documentation.

Board of Directors

Wayne Smith, President
Michelle Brooks, Secretary
Barbara Smith, Treasurer
Jamila Bishop, Executive Director

Financial reporting and policies

Documents are posted here as they are adopted and filed.

Document	Status
IRS determination letter	View the letter (PDF, 75 KB) (opens in a new tab) Text version: IRS Letter 947, dated September 17, 2025. Grad Village Corporation (EIN 39-3180846) is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and is a public charity under section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). Exemption effective April 29, 2025. Contributions are tax-deductible under section 170.
Form 990-series filings	Form 990-N (e-Postcard), tax year 2025 (PDF) (opens in a new tab) Text version: Grad Village Corporation (EIN 39-3180846), 405 W 34th St, Suite B, Wilmington, DE 19802, filed the Form 990-N electronic notice for the 2025 calendar year (January 1 to December 31, 2025). Gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less. Principal officer: Jamila Bishop.
Annual operating budget	In preparation
Financial statements	Posted after board approval
Conflict-of-interest policy	In preparation
Gift acceptance and designated-gift policy	In preparation
Whistleblower and document retention policies	In preparation
Annual impact report	First report after the inaugural program year

Donor privacy

We never sell, rent, or trade donor information. We use your contact details to process gifts, send receipts, and share updates you've asked for. You can opt out of communications at any time. Card payments are handled by our payment processor; we don't store card numbers.

Student data protection

Student applications and financial documents are collected through a secure intake system with role-based access. Student information is never published. Stories are shared only with a student's written permission.

Home / Impact

When students succeed, communities move forward.

Completion leads to credentials, credentials open employment, and employment builds stability for families and strength for Delaware's workforce.

From completion to community

CompletionStudents finish final credits and resolve balances.

CredentialDiplomas, certificates, and transcripts in hand.

EmploymentAccess to roles, licenses, and promotions that require them.

Family mobilityGreater earning potential and household stability.

Regional economySkilled local talent that Delaware employers can hire.

Impact dashboard

Our measurement framework is in place. Figures will appear here after the first verified reporting period, with the date range shown.

Reporting period: not yet started. All figures are de-identified.

Delaware impact

We start where the need is close to home. Our initial focus is Wilmington, with priority outreach in the 19801, 19802, and 19805 ZIP codes, and service across Delaware as capacity grows.

Every completed credential strengthens Delaware's talent pipeline and increases access to stable employment. Expansion beyond Delaware is a future goal, not a current service area.

Education access

Removing barriers between students and their next class.

Workforce readiness

Credentialed talent entering high-demand fields.

Family stability

Easing pressure on households supporting a student.

Local talent pipeline

A workforce Wilmington employers can hire from.

Home / Apply for assistance

You did the work. Let's talk about the finish.

Find the program that fits your situation, see what documents you'll need, and start a secure application.

Program finder

Have you completed all academic requirements for your degree, certificate, or credential?

Is an unpaid balance to your school keeping you from receiving your diploma, transcript, or credential?

How many credits do you have left to finish?

Diploma Lock may be a fit.

It's for students who completed their requirements but can't access their credential because of a qualifying balance.

About Diploma Lock

Last Mile Funding may be a fit.

It's for students with 20 credits or fewer remaining who face a qualifying financial barrier.

About Last Mile Funding

The Student Success Program may help.

Eligibility details are being finalized. Contact us and we'll help you find resources for where you are now.

Contact us

Before you apply

Applying is free.
Applying does not guarantee assistance. Awards depend on eligibility, verification, and available funds.
Approved funds are paid directly to your school or an approved vendor, not to you.
Your information is kept private and is never published.

Documents you may need

Last Mile Funding

Proof of enrollment or acceptance
Degree audit showing credits remaining
Tuition bill or cost documentation
Photo ID

Diploma Lock

Proof that academic requirements are complete
Current balance statement from your school
Contact for your school's billing or registrar office
Photo ID

Student Success Program

Requirements will be posted once the program's eligibility is finalized.

What happens after you apply

Start your application

Applications are completed in our secure portal, where you can upload documents safely.

Student newsletter

Stay on track to the finish line.

A free newsletter for students: program updates, application tips, and reminders about important dates. Sign up with your email, and unsubscribe anytime.

We never sell or share your email. See our privacy commitments.

Form not showing? Sign up in a new tab (opens in a new tab)

Frequently asked questions

Will I receive money directly?

No. Approved funds are paid directly to your school or an approved vendor.

How long does review take?

Review time depends on how quickly documents are verified with your school. We'll keep you updated by email.

Do I need to live in Delaware?

Our initial service area is Delaware, beginning in Wilmington.

Will my story be shared?

Only if you choose to share it and sign a written permission form. Declining has no effect on your application.

What if I give incorrect information?

Applications with false information are declined, and awards based on false information may be reversed.

Check application status

Already applied? Send us your name and the email you used, and we'll reply with an update. Don't include Social Security numbers or financial documents here.

Home / Partnerships

Partner with us to build a stronger educated workforce.

Employers, institutions, and community organizations each have a role in getting students across the finish line and into careers.

Who we partner with

EmployersBanks and financial institutionsCorporate foundationsColleges and universitiesTrade schoolsWorkforce development agenciesProfessional associationsCommunity-based organizationsPublic agencies

Program sponsorship

Underwrite Last Mile Funding, Diploma Lock, or the Student Success Program, or sponsor a pilot cohort.

Employee giving and matching

Add Grad Village Corporation to your giving platform and match employee gifts.

Corporate grants

Fund programs or capacity through your foundation or community investment budget.

Workforce collaborations

Connect completing students with internships, apprenticeships, and hiring pipelines.

Institutional referrals

Schools can refer eligible students and coordinate balance verification and credential release.

Volunteers and campaigns

Mentor students, host a workshop, or run a community giving campaign.

Our supporters

We recognize partners and supporters here only with their permission. Logos and names will appear as partnerships are confirmed.

Gold Transparency 2026Grad Village Corporation has earned Candid's Gold Seal of Transparency by sharing its mission, programs, leadership, and goals publicly.View our Candid profile (opens in a new tab)

Partners

(opens in a new tab)

Partner logos appear with each partner's permission.

Partnership inquiry

Tell us how you'd like to work together.

Home / News

News, stories, and resources

Updates from Grad Village and practical guides for students and families.

Latest posts

Home / Contact

Contact us

Questions about assistance, giving, partnerships, or grants? We'll get back to you within two business days.

Reach us directly

Email: jb@gradvillage.org
Phone: 302-553-6852
Mail: Grad Village Corporation
405 W 34th St, Ste B
Wilmington, DE 19802
Media: Select "Media request" in the form.

Financial barriers shouldn't determine a student's future.

Students do the hard part. Then a balance stands in the way.

Three programs. One mission. Stronger futures.

Verified need. Direct payment. Measured results.

A credential is where education turns into opportunity.

We report what we can verify. Nothing more.

Students served

Credentials released

Paid to institutions

Final credits completed

It started with a tuition bill and a layoff on the same day.

Every gift goes toward a verified, documented need.

Give once

Give monthly

Honor someone

Through work

Our annual fundraising objective

Invest in completion. Strengthen the workforce.

Stay close to the work.

You're subscribed.

It takes a village.

Three programs. One mission. Stronger futures.

Our programs

Compare programs

Helping students finish what they started.

The need for last-mile assistance

What "the last mile" looks like

Students served

Eligibility requirements

Eligible educational expenses

Verification and direct payment

Verification

Direct-to-institution payment

Expected outcomes

How students apply

How donors and funders help

They earned their credentials. Help them receive them.

The credential access problem

Eligibility

Assistance procedure

Measurable outcomes

Student applications

Sponsorship

Help a graduate receive what they earned.

Supporting students beyond the financial barrier.

Program overview

Student needs addressed

Service areas

Resource navigation

Academic persistence

Mentorship and guidance

Financial literacy

Career readiness

Community referrals

Expected outcomes

Funding priorities

Partner with the program

Built on the belief that community changes outcomes.

Our story

Remove the barriers between students and completion.

A Delaware where no earned credential goes unclaimed.

What guides us

Community first

Radical transparency

Equity in education

Real impact

Leadership

Jamila Bishop

Board of Directors

Wayne Smith

Michelle Brooks

Barbara Smith

Governance

Help a student finish what they started.

Make your gift

How your gift is used

About designated gifts

Other ways to give

Invest in educational completion. Strengthen workforce opportunity.

Organizational overview