When justice-impacted individuals find hope, it can transform not just their lives, but the lives of their families. The Last Mile (TLM) is powering this transformation through the Turn2U Scholarship Program, launched to support the children and legal dependents of those in the TLM network.
Here’s everything you need to know and why it matters.
What Is the Turn2U Scholarship?
- Who qualifies?: Open to the child or legal dependent (under age 26) of a current TLM participant or alum. Applicants must be at least 16 and working toward their first-time completion of high school, a GED, or higher education. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required.
- What financial support is offered?: The scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year, totaling $20,000 over four years, a significant boost that can cover tuition, materials, or training costs.
- Mentorship included: This is a truly standout feature. Recipients are paired with experienced mentors who provide ongoing guidance throughout their educational journey, creating a support system that goes well beyond finances.
2025 Opportunities
This year, TLM introduced three distinct scholarship tracks to tailor support more precisely:
| Scholarship Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Louise Redlitz Scholarship | For students pursuing education at two-year or four-year colleges, vocational schools, or coding academies. |
| Founders Scholarship | Reserved for children of TLM students and alumni from San Quentin—the birthplace of TLM—honoring founders Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti. |
| Hans Schoenburg Scholarship | Awarded to one adult TLM graduate or alumni from San Quentin annually. The Last Mile |
2025 Recipients
This year, the Turn2U Scholarship Program continues to celebrate the achievements of exceptional recipients whose stories embody resilience and possibility.
Among them is James Cavitt, who reflects, “There’s a way to turn our ugliness into something beautiful.”
Alfonso Gana shares that the scholarship is helping him forge a path toward his dream of becoming a fashion designer—“to continue to make my family proud.”
And Marina Monge describes the scholarship as a turning point, inspired by watching her dad’s journey through The Last Mile: “This program opened so many doors for him… I never want to give up on my dreams because of financial reasons.”
Together, their voices amplify the hope that Turn2U brings, not just as financial support, but as a bridge to brighter futures and second chances.
Why It Matters
For many children of justice-impacted individuals, educational pathways are often obstructed by financial and systemic barriers. The Turn2U Scholarship doesn’t just offer monetary help, it sends a message: your education matters, and you’re not alone in this journey.
By combining financial assistance with human support, TLM is nurturing futures that might otherwise go unrealized.
Want to Help or Learn More?
Though 2025 awards have been made, it’s worth keeping an eye on the scholarship.
- Sharing the scholarship information with eligible families when it reopens
- Making a contribution to help sustain the program’s reach
- Volunteering as a mentor or advocate to provide ongoing support
For questions, reach out to scholarships@thelastmile.org. Want to donate or get involved more deeply? Visit The Last Mile’s website to learn how your support can spark real, long-lasting change.
