Maricopa Community Colleges and Helios Education Foundation Partner to Expand Student Success Program
A $2.2 million grant will allow HSI ELEVATE to expand to all 10 colleges, providing thousands of students with the wrap-around support services needed to persist, transfer, and complete degree programs
TEMPE, AZ – A $2.2 million grant from Helios Education Foundation (Helios) is helping Maricopa Community Colleges expand HSI ELEVATE, a student-centered program aimed at increasing college attainment across Arizona. The program, focused on serving first-generation collegegoers, was previously offered at six of the system’s 10 colleges. Thanks to continued support from Helios, Maricopa Community Colleges has expanded the programs systemwide, helping open the doors to college completion and lifelong success.
“At the core of both of our organizations is community," said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “We can look back on this partnership with tremendous pride, seeing where we started and how much we’ve grown. As the nation’s largest community college system, we know this work cannot be done alone. The ongoing support and generosity provided by Helios will allow us to inspire the next generation of learners.”
Rooted In Partnership
In 2014, with support from Helios, the 10-college system launched the EXCEL program at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and Glendale Community College (GCC), with the goal of helping students navigate postsecondary education and transfer successfully to a four-year university. In 2022, with additional funding from Helios, the program was renamed to HSI EXCELlence and expanded support to four additional colleges, including GateWay Community College (GWCC), Mesa Community College (MCC), Phoenix College (PC), and South Mountain Community College (SMCC).
This latest investment builds on a longer-term partnership between Helios and Maricopa Community Colleges. Grounded in research and proven evidence-based practices, the program—now known as HSI ELEVATE—provides students with the resources and mentorship needed to thrive academically while also building the skills and confidence required for career success.
“At Helios, we believe education is the most powerful lever for creating opportunity,” said Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation. “HSI ELEVATE is turning that belief into reality for students who have historically faced the greatest barriers, and we are proud to partner with MCCCD to expand its impact districtwide.”
Why It Matters
For more than a decade, Helios and Maricopa Community Colleges have worked to strengthen postsecondary attainment. Together, Helios and the 10-college system have served more than 3,000 students collectively through the EXCEL, HSI EXCELence, and HSI ELEVATE programs, building a legacy of providing access to tailored learning communities and resources along with ongoing advocacy.
“Helios Education Foundation has been an extraordinary partner in helping the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation and District expand access and success for our students,” said Judy Sanchez, Interim President and CEO of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. “Their investments in HSI ELEVATE are removing barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring more students earn a degree. With Helios’ support, we are not only opening doors to higher education but helping students transform their futures.”
To learn more about HSI Elevate, click here.
About Maricopa Community Colleges
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is one of the largest community college systems in the nation, serving approximately 140,000 students annually across 10 colleges. MCCCD offers affordable, high-quality education through associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, industry-recognized certificates, and workforce training programs. For more information, visit www.maricopa.edu.