Hoop of Learning

Earn College Credits While You’re Still in High School. Get a Head Start!

Hoop of Learning is a high school-to-college bridge program designed to empower and encourage Native American students to complete high school and transition successfully into higher education.

Based on a traditional Native American worldview of a circle, or hoop, representing lifelong development, the Hoop of Learning initiative aims to create conditions that support American Indian students in their transition from high school to college.

About Hoop of Learning

• The Hoop of Learning (HOL) program was established by Chandler-Gilbert Community College in 2007.
• The goal of the program is to foster cultural resilience and address economic and cultural barriers faced by Native Americans.
• Southeast Valley high school districts and charter high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to participate in HOL.
• Once accepted into the program, HOL students are concurrently enrolled in high school and college courses while on the Hoop of Learning scholarship. Students attend college classes during the summer and on Saturdays during the school year.
• HOL students earn general studies college credits that can be applied toward an associate degree and/or transfer to a university to earn their bachelor’s degree.
• Hoop of Learning students are eligible to participate until their expected high school graduation date.

Program Goals

The HOL program has four primary goals for its students:

1. Support high school graduation.
2. Increase enrollment and participation in college.
3. Empower students to reach their goals.
4. Prepare students to succeed by removing barriers.

Program Benefits

• Students get a jump start on earning college credit while still attending high school.
• In-person, on-campus college experience.
• Explore educational and career opportunities.
• One-on-one academic advising.
• Meet other Native American students and make new friends through cohort classes.
• Engage with college faculty and community leaders.
• Utilize on-campus resources, such as tutoring, career services, library, computer labs, fitness center and more to improve your study skills.
• Opportunities to attend guest speaker presentations and professional workshops..
• Access to a variety of cultural, athletics and performing arts events to enhance your student experience. 
• Learn about college financial aid processes and scholarship opportunities.
• Familiarize yourself with the enrollment process for transitioning to the next phase of your educational journey.
• Develop effective time management skills.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must be:

• An enrolled member of a federal/state recognized Native American tribe (or in the process of obtaining a census number).
• Self-motivated and demonstrate excellent attendance.
• Currently enrolled in high school and able to provide a current copy of their high school transcript.
• Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

How to Apply

Application Tips

• When applying, be sure to use your personal email address.
• Have an unofficial copy of your most recent high school transcript available.
• Have your Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or Tribal ID accessible.

Questions?

If you have questions or need assistance completing, contact [email protected] or 480-857-5142.

*Tribes are distinct political entities with political sovereignty. Tribal sovereign nations have a government-to-government relationship with the U.S. government based on historical treaties, statues, and historical relations. Arizona is a unique state with 22 federally-recognized Native American tribes located within its borders. Maricopa Community Colleges recognizes the unique sovereign status of these tribes as well as those across the United States. As such, all scholarships offered to tribally enrolled members of a sovereign nation are not based on race or ethnicity but rather acknowledgement of tribal communities' unique political status recognized by the federal government and protected by the U.S. Constitution within the United States.