Helios Foundation supports transfer students

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Helios Education Foundation reflects on two decades of unwavering dedication to educational excellence. 

Founded on the belief that education transforms lives and communities, Helios has invested over $350 million to impact more than 2.38 million students and supporting over 520,000 education professionals in Florida and Arizona.  

The organization is dedicated to promoting postsecondary attainment, especially among low-income communities. This year, Helios awarded $500,000 in scholarships and student support to 20 state college transfer students working to complete four-year degree programs.

Transfer students often face unique challenges in persisting through college, the organization notes, and are at a higher risk of dropping out than peers who start out at four-year institutions.

The Helios 20th Anniversary Pathway Scholarship supports students transferring from Florida’s state colleges to one of four state universities, including FIU.

A valued partner of the university since 2007, Helios Education Foundation has donated nearly $2 million towards scholarships dedicated to meeting the financial needs of first-generation students. Helios has also contributed to FIU’s Fostering Panther Pride program, which serves students who have aged out of foster care or are otherwise unhoused.

Five of this year’s Pathway scholars recently transferred to FIU. Each of them will receive up to $20,000 to support their educational journey. The awardees showed exemplary academic promise and a determination to overcome personal hardship.

Biochemistry major Destiny Higgs says being chosen the award gave her confidence as she works toward finishing her undergraduate degree and, eventually, applying to veterinary school.

“Completing my bachelor’s degree will assist me in achieving my long-term goal of becoming a veterinarian,” Higgs told Helios. “FIU will support me in becoming Dr. Higgs — not just a doctor, but a successful one who has the compassion and knowledge to look after animals and their families.”

Scholarship recipient Leina Olazabal Rodriguez is pursuing a bachelor’s in accounting. She will be able to complete the additional credit hours required to become a Certified Public Accountant without having to stress about tuition payments.

“Eleven years ago, I left my home in Cuba with my family, embarking on a journey that held more questions than answers,” Rodriguez told Helios. “Earning my GED was a turning point, proving that my hard work could help me overcome even the toughest obstacles...My journey continues now.”

The other recipients include Raul Cisneros, a criminal justice major; Rayann Olanipekun, a marine biology major; and Yuna Yi, a graphic design major. They began their studies at FIU in the spring 2025 semester, kickstarting a new chapter in their college journeys.

Helios Education Foundation’s President and CEO Paul J. Luna has watched the foundation grow since stepping into his role a year after its founding. A nationally recognized leader in philanthropy, education and community development, he has played a key role in steering the direction of the Foundation's philanthropic activity.

Luna is a first-generation student himself, which has inspired his work. Under his leadership, Helios has invested in first-generation scholarships, to make higher education possible for many. The Helios Education Foundation First-Generation Scholarship was Helios’s first gift to FIU, aimed at supporting future educators and alleviating teacher shortages within Florida.

“This milestone is a testament to what’s possible when communities come together with an unwavering commitment to education," Luna said. "Our scholars embody the very purpose of Helios—to create opportunities and ensure that postsecondary education is within reach for every student who aspires to it.”