Elevating Futures
HSI Elevate is a collaboration between Helios Education Foundation and Maricopa Community Colleges. Together, we're opening more doors to college completion and lifelong success.
A student-centered program dedicated to increasing college attainment in Arizona, HSI Elevate is rooted in the impact of EXCEL, EXCEL 2.0, and HSI EXCELlence — student-centered programs grounded in research and evidence-based practices.
HSI Elevate builds on that legacy—bringing together guidance, programming, community, advocacy, and resources into one cohesive experience designed for students and advancing what works, scaling it across all 10 Maricopa colleges.
The HSI Elevate program is open to everyone.
Our History
Since 2014, HSI Elevate has been unwavering in its support for students, helping them navigate challenges that could disrupt their college progress. Our community-rooted, evidence-based approaches focus on advancing economic mobility for all Arizonans and ensuring that no student is left behind.
Excel, 2014–2017
In partnership with Helios Education Foundation, Estrella Mountain Community College, and Glendale Community College, EXCEL is implemented, serving 600 degree and transfer-seeking students throughout the west valley.
Excel 2.0, 2018–2022
Due to the program's success, Helios Education Foundation agreed to continue the relationship, providing an additional 3 years of funding to support 600 additional students at Estrella Mountain Community College and Glendale Community College. During this time, the program was redesigned to address the increasing needs of students navigating a virtual educational landscape in a global pandemic.
HSI EXCELlence, 2022–2025
After 6 years of documented success serving students at Estrella Mountain Community College and Glendale Community College, Helios Education Foundation invested in expanding the program to serve an additional 1,800 students enrolled at GateWay Community College, Phoenix College, Mesa Community College, and South Mountain Community College—all Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
HSI Elevate, 2026–Present
Building on a strong foundation of proven success, HSI Elevate incorporates best practices from EXCEL, EXCEL 2.0, and HSI EXCELlence, expanding its impact to serve 3,000 students across all 10 Hispanic-Serving Institutions within the Maricopa County Community College District.
Get Involved Today!
Interested in becoming a member? We invite you to join us in expanding resources and opportunities for all students at Maricopa Community Colleges. If you are a former participant, we invite you to give back by joining our alumni network, which regularly offers career interviews, mentoring opportunities, and networking events.