Helios Scholars Program
Early Childhood Education Scholarship Program
Assisted by a generous grant from the Helios Foundation, Prescott College is putting the power of education back into the hands of Arizona’s Native American reservation communities. The funds provide for scholarships; a faculty member experienced in culturally appropriate education needs for reservation and rural communities; and value-added support for students of the reservation communities in Arizona. “Students in Arizona’s reservation and rural areas who are considering an undergraduate degree in early childhood or an undergraduate degree and teacher certification in early childhood or early childhood special education, and who had believed a college education beyond their financial reach, now have the opportunity to further their education,” says Prescott College’s Coordinator for Native American Students, Dr. Vicky Young.
Through a combination of Helios Foundation–funded scholarships, Federal grants, and Prescott College grants and scholarships, it is our intention that most Helios Early Childhood Education Scholars will enroll in Prescott College’s B.A. Degree Program in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education with all costs fully covered.”
As part of the Prescott College low-residency Bachelor of Arts Program, the Helios Scholars Program provides Native American students and residents of rural and reservation communities of Arizona the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and earn Arizona teaching credentials while continuing to live in their home communities. Scholarship priorities go to Native Americans, Hispanics, and other underserved populations in Arizona.
According to Dr. Young, the Helios Education Program will equip early education teachers to provide children with culturally appropriate language and literacy skills for language preservation, and foster development of ongoing academic success for their future in Head Start programs, family day care, child care, or pre-Kindergarden to grade 3 in school systems. Additionally, through a community-based model of education, students are able to honor and maintain family, community, and cultural ties while pursuing degrees.
Eligibility Requirements
Students eligible to be admitted to Prescott College as Helios Scholars:
- Are low-income (Federal Pell Grant eligible) tribal affiliated Native American Arizona residents
- Have a minimum of 60 completed college credits (associate’s degree is preferred but not required)
- Agree to major in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education at Prescott College leading to the Bachelor of Arts Degree and/or provisional certification through the Arizona Department of Education
Helios Education Foundation
The Helios Foundation, based in Phoenix, is the largest nonprofit organization serving Arizona and Florida focused solely on education. The Foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of individuals by creating opportunities for success in early childhood education. For more information on the Helios Early Childhood Education Scholars Program, request a copy of the Helios Early Childhood Education Scholars Program catalog.
Center for Indian Bilingual Teacher Education
The Center for Indian Bilingual Teacher Education (CIBTE) at Prescott College was created in 1988 as an alternative teacher education and certification program for Native American paraprofessionals and teachers on Arizona reservations. Today, CIBTE provides Native American students an opportunity to complete a B.A. degree and earn Arizona teaching credentials while continuing to live in their home communities. The Center also provides students with personal support and academic services.
The educational philosophy of CIBTE reflects the belief that Native American people who have grown up in Indian communities understand the educational and cultural needs of their local areas. CIBTE gives Native American students an opportunity to use their work experience, language, cultural background, and knowledge to advance Indigenous/tribal education. In keeping with the community-based model, students are able to keep their jobs and maintain family, community, and cultural ties while pursuing degrees.
In addition to CIBTE, the low-residency bachelor of arts program serves Native American students in other undergraduate and graduate areas of study. Students have earned degrees in the fields of Sustainable Community Development, Business Management, Leadership, Fine Arts, and Human Development. The low-residency bachelor’s program serves the need for Native American people to be in control of their own educational destiny and meet the needs of their communities.
Prescott College is a member of the Navajo Nation Teacher Education Consortium and works closely with tribal entities for assisting students with scholarship opportunities. The College also offers specific scholarships directly for Native American students.
For more information contact Dr. Vicky Young, Coordinator for CIBTE and Native American Students E-mail.
