Welcome! We're excited to have you as a GateWay Gecko student
Maricopa Community Colleges’ Hoop of Learning (HOL) is an early high school-to-college bridge program available at nine of our ten colleges. Since its establishment in 1995, HOL’s intention is to reduce economic and cultural barriers that American Indian students may face while helping them transition from high school to college. HOL is Indigenous by design, based on a traditional Native American worldview of a circle, or hoop, of lifelong development. Its mission is to encourage, support and create conditions that empower American Indian students to complete high school and transition successfully to higher education.
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Program Description
Program Description
- Increase high school retention and high school graduation rates
- Increase American Indian enrollment and participation in college
- Empower American Indian students to reach their goals
- Enhance American Indian culturally relevant curriculum
- Increase diversity on the college campus
- Strengthen partnerships with external American Indian communities, school districts, and other agencies
Who Qualifies
The HOL program is looking for high school students who meet the following criteria:
- Must be a registered member of a state or federally-recognized tribal nation
- Must have a 2.0 minimum high school grade point average (GPA)
- Must be actively enrolled in high school and on track to graduate on time.
- Applicants can apply in the fall semester of their 9th, 10th or 11th grade year. Most programs start a new cohort of students in the summer semester. Check with the individual college for exact dates and deadlines
The Benefits of Being an HOL Student
- Get a jump start on earning college credit
- Cultural events, guest speakers, workshops, and field trips
- One-on-one advising
- Cohorted classes: meet other American Indian students
- On-campus experience and resources: tutoring, counseling, library, computer lab, and more
Participants in the HOL Scholarship Program also receive the
following:
- Paid Tuition
- Books
- Bus Passes
Ready to Apply?
There are three steps to participate in the Hoop of Learning program.
Step 1: Submit the online Hoop of Learning application along with the following documents:
- Certificate of Indian Blood or Tribal ID
- High school transcripts (unofficial or official)
- Photo ID (AZ State or high school)
- See the video Instructions
Step 2: The completed application will be evaluated based on the selection criteria to the left.
Step 3: If you’re accepted into the program, you and your parents or guardian will receive an invitation to participate in a required Hoop of Learning Program New Student Orientation.
Applications are accepted year-round
Program Contact Information
Hoop of Learning Office Location
GateWay Community College - Washington Campus
Main Building, Room MA1372
108 North 40th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Phone: (602) 286-8195
Email: hoop@gatewaycc.edu
Hours of Operation
Fall and Spring Semester
Tuesday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Summer Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday - Sunday: Closed