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Education Foundation Opens Office In Tampa

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By ADAM EMERSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 21, 2007

TAMPA - An Arizona-based foundation that made headlines last year by giving millions to Florida colleges and universities has set up shop in Tampa.

The Helios Education Foundation so far has directed its largesse to higher education in Florida, but its leaders hope to bankroll initiatives aimed at students in what they call the 'transition years': fifth through 12th grade.

'That would help keep individuals on track' toward a college education, said Paul Luna, the foundation's president. The group opened its new office in downtown Tampa.

Helios donated $10 million to Florida's public colleges and universities in December: $5 million to the university system and $5 million for community colleges. The money backed scholarships for students who were the first in their families to go to college.

The foundation since has donated $1 million to various education groups in Florida, including a $500,000 gift to Teach for America in Miami, Luna said.

Helios' ties to Florida go back to its origins as a student loan company. The 2004 sale of Southwest Student Services Corp., which provided services in Florida, generated $500 million for the foundation. Helios' endowment now totals about $600 million.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285 or aemerson@tampatrib.com.

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