About Helios Education Foundation 

Helios Education Foundation is focused on creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education by advancing the academic preparedness of all students and fostering a high-expectation, college-going culture.  

Through a decade of strategic partnership and investment, Helios has identified Early Grade Success, College and Career Readiness and Postsecondary Completion as the three most critical reform priorities in achieving our long-term goal. As an engaged foundation, embedded in communities across both states, the Foundation is contributing its expertise and financial resources to better prepare students for college and careers – ready to compete successfully in a global economy. To date, Helios has invested over $242 million in education-related programs and initiatives in Arizona and Florida. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.helios.org.

NEWS: FACCT Initiatives Receive Fourth Helios Education Foundation Grant to Advance Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign

“The Helios Education Foundation understands that reading is the foundation for lifelong success. Research shows that students who read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and achieve their full potential. When we support investments in early literacy, we’re not just shaping futures—we’re strengthening families, communities, and the economy. Through generous funding from Helios, our state and local campaigns will continue this crucial work to improve third grade reading outcomes across Florida.” – Jenn Faber, Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign Director

“Ensuring every child in Florida becomes a proficient reader by the end of third grade is not just an educational goal—it’s an economic and moral imperative. The Helios Education Foundation has been a steadfast partner in our mission, helping us scale our impact and align state and community efforts to drive meaningful change. Together, we are working to ensure that every child has the foundation they need to thrive in school, career, and life. This continued partnership allows us to build on past successes while innovating new strategies to support children’s early literacy development and ensure every child has a strong foundation for lifelong success.” – Michele Watson, CEO of FACCT Initiatives

“At Helios Education Foundation, we are proud to support the Florida Grade-Level Reading Campaign and its unwavering commitment to advancing early literacy for Florida’s children. Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a critical milestone that sets the stage for future academic and life success. This partnership underscores our belief in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive systemic change, ensuring every child has the opportunity to build a strong foundation for a brighter future.” – Helios Education Foundation President and CEO Paul J. Luna