Meet the U of A Helios Pathway Scholars

“Going to college and being in the honors program has not been easy.  But learning how to manage my studies, sports, and volunteering has made me a better person.” 

Jalen grew up with two passions: sports and learning. He knew from a young age that good grades were his ticket to staying in the game. Even when his senior year dreams were crushed by sitting out an entire football season, he never quit. He trained, worked weekends, kept his grades high, and found new ways to shine. Now a student-athlete, volunteer, and honors student at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Jalen is chasing his next big goal: earning a journalism degree at the University of Arizona and building a future where he tells the stories that matter.