Hoop of Learning

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-economic 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.

HOL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS: Tuition, fees, and books

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
• sophomore, 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
   

PROGRAM INFORMATION: 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-economic 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 Armican 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 financial 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 progress is monitored and facilitated by a broad network of relations. As in traditional settings, students are expected to fulfill their responsibility to prepare themselves to contribute to the well-being of the community.

Scottsdale Community College is the fifth Maricopa Community College to implement the Hoop of Learning program. The program is intended to reduce or eliminate the financial barriers that Native Americans face, while targeting high school students to transition into 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.

The Hoop of Learning is an indigenous design based on the traditional Native world view of a circle (Hoop) of lifelong development. 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. Culturally relevant education is particularly important for urban Native students in the United States. Collaboration of student families, program staff, and community partners replicates a traditional tribal community in which children's progress is monitored and facilitated by a broad network of relations. As in traditional settings, students are expected to fulfill their responsibility to prepare themselves to contribute to the well-being of the community.