Hoop of Learning FAQ

The Hoop of Learning (HOL) is a scholarship-based, high school-to-college bridge program for American Indian high school students. It allows students to earn college credits while still attending high school. The Hoop program helps students navigate the college enrollment process and provides support services to ensure academic success. 

The Hoop of Learning Program is open to high school students in grades 9–12 who have a minimum 2.0 high school GPA, are on track to graduate, and demonstrate self-motivation and excellent attendance. Students may apply beginning in the spring semester of their freshman year. Applicants must be enrolled members of a federally or state-recognized tribe and provide a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or a tribal identification as part of the application process.

All steps must be completed in order:

  1. Become a student at MCCCD by filling out our online admissions form. Students who have a Maricopa ID (MEID) and password AND have been admitted to GCC can skip to step 2.  
  2. Submit a complete application, which includes the following:
    1. Hoop of Learning program application
    2. Unofficial high school application transcripts
    3. Proof of Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or Tribal ID
  3. Submit your student forms in your Student Center under My Student Forms tile and select High School and Under 18.
    1. Under 18 & FERPA Release Form- Provide parent/guardian consent for financial responsibility and approval. 
    2. ID Authentication Form-  Provide a current U.S. Passport/Passport Card, or Arizona Driver's License, or Current Instruction Permit, or ID Card or U.S. issued birth certificate WITH High School ID are acceptable 

  • Your completed application will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.
  • You will be notified of the status of your application within a month of receiving the completed application.
  • Students who are preliminarily accepted will be invited to an in-person interview. This will give us the opportunity to meet you and learn more about your interests
  • If you are accepted into the Hoop of Learning program, you will receive the Hoop of Learning Program scholarship. Accepted students must attend the New Student and Family Orientation (Student/Parent) and Summer Kick-Off event.
  • Students are also expected to complete EdReady Placement Testing (online)
    • English and Critical Reading & Thinking
  • Students who do not meet all requirements for placement testing and attending required events will not be accepted into the program and will lose the program scholarship.

Yes, the policy is: The GCC Hoop of Learning Program allows a maximum of two (2) absences per student with a valid excuse during the fall/spring semesters and a maximum of one (1) absence during our summer semester. If absent, it is the student's responsibility to contact the Hoop of Learning office and the instructor. If a student exceeds the two (2) excused absences, he/she will be put in Attendance Probation. Further consequences include being withdrawn from the class and at risk of losing their Hoop of Learning Scholarship. Remember, accepting the Hoop of Learning scholarship means accepting college student responsibilities. A big part of that is attending class.

The GCC  Hoop of Learning Program is a fully in person program, with classes being in person at the GCC campus.

Tuition and fees are free for Hoop of Learning program students. Students may be required to purchase textbooks and provide their own transportation to and from the campus. Bus passes are limited and available for students to assist with transportation needs, on a first come first serve basis.

If you are selected to participate in the Hoop of Learning program, you will attend college classes year-round. Students can take two classes during the week over the summer semester. During the Fall and Spring semesters, students will take one Saturday class per semester.  Students must start the program in the first summer upon acceptance. Students can earn a total of 24 credits. Your Hoop of Learning scholarship ends upon your graduation from high school.

Classes will be in-person.

Once you have been accepted into the program, you will take an assessment test to determine your readiness for college-level English and Reading courses. Your Hoop of Learning Program advisor (similar to an Academic Counselor) will meet with you regarding your classes based on your field of interest.

Once your classes are scheduled each semester by the Hoop of Learning offices, you can see your schedule in your Student Center under the Manage Classes tile.

Each semester, your instructor will post your grades online. To view your grades, you simply use the www.maricopa.edu/students website and log in with your MEID and password. Once signed in, select Academic Records tile and View Grades.

Students must receive a 70% or higher to pass college courses.

All college courses are measured by credit hours. This represents the number of hours per week a student is in class. Most courses you will be taking are three credit hours, meaning you will be in class approximately three hours per week.

Don't hesitate to contact the GCC Hoop of Learning Office at 623-845-3094 or [email protected] to answer your questions. You may also refer to our application timeline for any application questions. 

It is very important that your current address and telephone number are always on file.  You MUST update it in your Student Center and advise our Hoop of Learning offices as soon as a change occurs with any of your personal information.