UAH Last-Mile Fund allows Shelby Cave to focus on her future

Courtesy Shelby Cave

“In high school, I worried about how I would afford to further my education. Thanks to the Last-Mile Fund, I not only completed my degree program; I was able to devote my time to a classroom internship that prepared me to start my career as a high school biology teacher.”

Meet Shelby Cave, a 2024 UAH graduate with a double-major in Secondary Education and Biological Sciences. The first in her family to graduate from a 4-year college, Shelby worried that financial need would prevent her from furthering her education and becoming a teacher. Once she began her academic journey at UAH, Shelby worked hard to maintain her GPA and stay involved in extracurricular activities and opportunities on campus. She was able to hone her leadership skills as a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, serving as both Philanthropy Chair and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Shelby also represented the College of Education as a 2023 ambassador, where she enjoyed building connections with other students and faculty members who shared her passions.

As Shelby approached her last semester, however, she needed extra financial support in order to make it to Commencement. With assistance from the Last-Mile Fund, Shelby was able to secure funding for her final semester and focus on her studies, including a classroom internship. Instead of worrying about finances or having to sacrifice years of hard work, Shelby was able to focus on learning from her mentors, caring for her students, and becoming the best educator she can be. She achieved her goal of graduating from UAH in fall of 2024 and looks forward to beginning her career as a high school biology teacher and inspiring students for years to come.

You can be the reason that deserving students like Shelby get to see their hard work pay off. Make a tax-deductible donation to the UAH Last-Mile Fund today and help a student cross the finish line.

Donate to LMF