Helios Education Foundation

09/03/2026

Arizona’s children, families and workforce have everything to gain.

Today, 17,000 Arizona children rely on Head Start for high-quality early learning and supports that meet children’s and families’ critical needs. Head Start also helps parents work and pursue education and training—generating an estimated $200 million in economic impact for Arizona.

A proposed federal rule could weaken the standards that help Head Start deliver for children and families, potentially leading to larger classroom groups, reduced home-visiting services, less consistent support for children with disabilities and lower teacher qualification requirements.

Strong Head Start standards mean stronger outcomes for Arizona’s children and families.

The public comment period is open through October 6, 2026. Take action and make your voice heard: https://act.stand.org/a/acf-save-head-start

09/03/2026

Entering , the threat of chronic absence's impact to education grows as students across the country continue to face attendance barriers and aversion.

We are proud to work alongside partners like Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign who are actively working to improve student attendance across Florida’s PK-12 education system 🪑🏫

You can explore the new FGLRC Attendance & Chronic Absence Toolkit here: https://floridaglr.net/attendance/

The Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign is proud to announce the launch of our brand new Attendance & Chronic Absence Toolkit! Across Florida, educators, families, and community partners are working to help more students get to school consistently and stay engaged in learning.

Now, we’re bringing resources to support that work together in one place.

The new FGLRC Attendance & Chronic Absence Toolkit includes Florida-specific data and research, promising practices from communities across the state, ready-to-use tools, intervention strategies, and resources from leading state and national partners.

And it’s built to grow as we continue learning what works.

🔗 Explore the toolkit: https://floridaglr.net/attendance/

🔗 Explore our September Newsletter to learn more about our toolkit and upcoming events: https://conta.cc/4gnK881

Thank you to Helios Education Foundation for its continued support in making resources like this possible.

08/27/2026

Data consistently shows that reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a critical milestone that sets the stage for future academic and life success.

We are proud to be a pledge partner and support the Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign's efforts to advance early literacy among young children in their communities and homes.

Show your support and sign FGLRC's literacy pledge below 📚🖋️

08/25/2026

With both Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) measures no longer appearing on the November ballot, Arizona has a timely opportunity to ensure that every public education dollar is managed responsibly, transparently, and with a clear focus on student success.

All public education investments—including ESAs—should meet clear expectations for fiscal stewardship, transparency, and meaningful measures of student progress.

Arizona continues to fall short of key education goals, including third-grade reading, eighth-grade math, and high school graduation. Ensuring public dollars are used responsibly and effectively is critical to improving outcomes and preparing students for college, career training, and the high-skill jobs Arizona’s economy needs.

Every public education dollar should be transparent, responsibly managed, and contributing to better outcomes for students.

Read the full press release to learn more: https://educationforwardarizona.org/with-esa-measures-off-the-ballot-arizona-has-an-opportunity-to-ensure-accountability-and-strengthen-student-success/

08/20/2026

Our very own Janice Palmer has been named a finalist for the 2026 ATHENA Awards! 🎉

This well-deserved recognition reflects Janice’s decades of leadership, mentorship and commitment to strengthening education and creating opportunities for students across Arizona and Florida.

Congratulations to Janice and all of this year’s outstanding finalists!

The Greater Phoenix Chamber is proud to announce the 11 remarkable finalists for the 39th Annual ATHENA Awards. These exceptional leaders are driving meaningful change, leading with purpose, and making a lasting impact across the Valley.​

​👉 Meet the finalists: https://ow.ly/FfX950ZC1Ik

Join us in honoring these inspiring women at the ATHENA Awards Luncheon on October 29th, 2026, with the Greater Phoenix Chamber for an unforgettable afternoon of celebration, connection, and powerful storytelling.​

💜 Register today: https://ow.ly/oaiS50ZC1In

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

By equipping Arizona teachers with evidence-based instructional practices, more students would become proficient readers 📚

Learn more about the importance of earning the K-5 Literacy Endorsement and hear first-hand experience from an Arizona teacher ➡️ https://ow.ly/VuJB50ZtCU7

WestEd | Arizona K12 Center at Northern Arizona University

08/10/2026

Helios Scholar Spotlight: Winny Adrien 🎓

With support from the Helios-funded Orange Last-Dollar Scholarship, Winny is pursuing her Associate in Arts degree at Valencia College with plans to join their nursing program 🩺

08/07/2026

We had a blast celebrating AZ educators and attending the Arizona Teacher of the Year event as a sponsor this morning 🏫

Congratulations to the 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year, 8th-grade science teacher at Esmond Station K-8 Lisa Scott, and all the incredible educators who were honored! 🎉

| Arizona Educational Foundation

08/06/2026

What is it like to enter college as a freshman and a junior at the same time? 🎓

Explore our report with FSU Anne's College to hear from accelerated college students ➡️ https://ow.ly/UoS150ZcQpq