HOOP OF LEARNING

Bridge Program 

Contact AIP to schedule an appointment at:: 480-423-6531

The Hoop of Learning Program is an early college high school bridge program administered by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD).  It has significantly served those Native American students who, largely due to socio-econimic reasons, would not have had access to higher education.  The program has allowed well over 1,000 Native American students in the last decade a pathway to higher education. 

Mission- to encourage, enable, and empower Native American students to complete high school and transition successfully to higher education.

The Hoop of Learning is an indigenous design based on the traditional Native world view of a circle (Hoop) of lifelong development.  It was established from a need to help Native American students stay in school and pursue a college degree.  The program was designed to meet the academic and cultural needs of Native American students.

                                                                                 

SCC is the fifth Maricopa Community College to implement the Hoop of Learning.  The program was designed to reduce or eliminate the financia barriers that Native Americans face, while targeting high school students to transition in the college setting.  The Hoop of Learning provides a better understanding of college, improves graduation rates, allows students to take culturally relevant curriculum, increases retention in higher education and empowers Native American students to reach their goals.

A basic tenet of the Hoop of Learning program is the belief in the importance of young people developing strong positive cultural identities and integrity.  Collaboration of student families, program staff, and community partners replicates a traditional tribal community in which children's progresss is monitored and facilitated by a broad network of relations.  As in traditional settings, students are expected to fulfill their reponsibility to prepare themselves to contribute to the well-being of the community.

 ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• soophmore, junior, senior high school student
• maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher at high school and college while participating in the Hoop of Learning program
• Attendance to orientation/registration with a parent/guardian
• Adhering to the Scottsdale Community College policy and procedures

BENEFITS:

earn college credit * increase academic achievements * scholarship * increase preparedness * specialized advisement * participation in activities to enhance growth * start on your career path * interact with Native students with same goals

SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

Scottsdale Community College is a public community college located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale, Arizona. SCC has an average full time enrollment of 10,000+ day and evening students. 

SCC is a multi-ethnic campus which features an American Indian Program (AIP) office that provides student support services on American Indian related academic programs and community outreach services.

Page maintained by Ana Cuddington, American Indian Program Director