The Foundation was created in 2004 through the sale and conversion of Southwest Student Services Corporation, a full-service student loan products and services company with affiliates in Arizona and Florida. The net proceeds from that sale were used to fund the Foundation’s initial endowment of more than $500 million.
The Foundation invests in initiatives across the full education continuum, and its work is driven by four strongly held beliefs in Community, Equity, Investment, and Partnership. By fostering a college-going culture and advancing academic preparedness for all students, from early childhood through postsecondary, Helios seeks to increase the number of young adults graduating high school prepared to succeed in college and career. Since inception, the Foundation has invested more than $230 million in education in Arizona and Florida.
“Being in perpetuity for us means that we will be here doing the right things that help children gain an education and make life better for them.”
– Vince Roig, Founding Chairman, Helios Education Foundation
In 2017, Helios broke ground on its new 65,000 square foot building which will be the permanent home to the Foundation. The building will include office space for Helios staff as well as office space for education non-profit partners. In addition, there will be collaboration and convening space that will be available for select education-related meetings and events. The Campus will foster collaboration and partnership to help create more opportunities for students.
The Campus is expected to open in the Fall, 2019.