Hoop of Learning

Program Overview

The Maricopa Community Colleges District Hoop Of Learning (HOL) Program is a high school to college scholarship bridge program specifically tailored to meet the academic and cultural needs of American Indian Students. HOL focused on empowering our American Indian youth by using the universal concept of a medicine wheel (hence Hoop Of Learning), which focuses on Emotional, Mental, Physical & Spiritual health of well-being.

The goals of Phoenix College’s Hoop Program have always been building our next American Indian generation both in academics and empowering self-identity through cultural appreciation. To give the students a competitive, comprehensive advantage in their journey towards higher education. Participants in the HOL Scholarship Program receive the following:

  • Tuition
  • Course Fees
  • Books
  • Bus Passes
  • Cultural Activities

History

The Hoop of Learning program was implemented in the summer of 1995 in response to concerns voiced by Native parents in an urban high school district in Phoenix, Arizona. These voices influenced the high school and a local community college which to form a partnership committee to provide an educational program for Native students, now referred to as the Hoop of Learning. The Hoop of Learning is a high school to college bridge program. It is designed to foster cultural resilience and career development among Native Students.

Hoop of Learning Program Goals

  • Increase high school retention and high school graduation rates
  • Increase American Indian participation and matriculation rates into college
  • Create the conditions for retaining American Indian students to reach their higher education goals
  • Enhance American Indian culturally relevant curriculum
  • Increase diversity on the college campuses
  • Strengthen external collaboration by establishing and continuing partnerships with American Indian communities, school districts, and other agencies

Eligibility

  • Potential students must be an enrolled member of a federal/state recognized American Indian tribe (or in the process of obtaining a census #)
  • Self-motivated; demonstrates excellent attendance
  • Currently enrolled in high school and provide a current copy of high school transcript
  • 2.0 or higher Grade Point Average high school (GPA)
Email: ecp@phoenixcollege.edu
Phone: 602-285-7642 | Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm

Application

There are three steps to participate in the Hoop of Learning program:

STEP 1: Hoop of Learning Application Interest Form

STEP 2: Hoop of Learning Application- 

After submitting the Interest form, you will receive an email with the application link and instructional video.

  • Students must select Phoenix College as their college for Hoop of Learning

STEP 3: Get Admitted to Phoenix College (This step will be completed with assistance of the HOL coordinator). 

  1. Create student account or verify current information
  2. Select a college
  3. Submit proof of identification
  4. When you finish your application, you will receive:
    • MEID
    • Student ID Number
    • Maricopa Email

Documents required for this portion:

  • US Birth Certificate
  • Photo ID (high school ID)
  • Tribal Certificate/ID (CIB)
  • High School Transcript

Have a Question?

Contact Info

General Information
P: 602-285-7743
Email: ecp@phoenixcollege.edu

Director of Early College
Georgina Ruiz 

Early College Programs Coordinator
Yvonne Tapia