Investing in Potential: Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship
Scholarship program opens doors to college for Yuma students
Since launching in 2019, the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship program has made college dreams a reality for dozens of students throughout Yuma, Arizona. By removing financial barriers, this life-changing program is helping students attend college while empowering them to thrive once they get there.
Each year, the scholarship supports six graduating seniors from the Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) who demonstrate financial need. Selected students receive up to $15,000 per year, renewable for up to three additional years, to pursue a degree at an accredited postsecondary institution.
The program is made possible through a $2.6 million, 10-year investment by Helios Education Foundation and administered by the Arizona Community Foundation.
Scholarship recipients are surprised at school by their principals and counselors with balloons and oversized checks in hand. The emotional moments of celebration and encouragement, captured every year by YUHSD, remind students that their hard work and dedication are recognized and valued.
Hear directly from previous recipients:
Program history
The Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship is an extension of the Ready Now Yuma initiative, launched in 2012 by YUHSD with support from Helios. The initiative brought a rigorous, high-expectations curriculum to every high school student in the district to improve college and career readiness.
“One of the initiative’s most significant successes was its role in strengthening the district’s college-going culture. Before, many students didn’t believe college was even an option. This effort raised expectations and aspirations across the board. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about fostering a college-going culture that included students, parents, and teachers. That shift is still paying off today as YUHSD continues to have some of the highest college-going rates in Arizona.”
– John Lincoln, Educational Consultant
As we showcase 20 years of impact, the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship fervently reflects what can happen when we invest in students and believe in their futures. From reducing financial stress to building confidence and opening doors, this scholarship program is helping Yuma students not just attend college but succeed once they’re there.