AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college-readiness system that prepares students in kindergarten through 12th grade for college eligibility and success.
Since AVID began in 1980 in California, more than 4,800 schools and 41 institutions of higher education in 45 states and 16 countries have adopted the program. This has provided training for more than 30,000 educators each year and made a difference in the lives of more than 700,000 students.
AVID is for all students but targets those who are in the academic middle and have historically been under-served. It supports students and educators as they increase school-wide/district-wide learning and performance.
AVID is not a remedial, niche or college outreach program. It is not a free ride or a study hall. Students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in their AVID elective class as well as do the academically rigorous work required.
AVID's Mission
AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. It is designed to make sure all students, especially the least served students who are in the academic middle, are able to:
- Succeed in rigorous curriculum
- Complete a rigorous college preparatory path
- Enter mainstream activities of the school
- Enroll in college
- Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their communities and our society
What AVID Is
- AVID is a program for middle- to upper middle- academic students. These students have the potential for honors level and Advanced Placement (AP) course work but may need to develop the skills needed to be successful in those rigorous courses
- AVID combines rigor with support that includes the student's individual determination and the support of teachers, administrators, other AVID students, their families, and AVID tutors
- Students must maintain 2.5 or higher grade-point average (GPA) throughout the school year
What AVID is Not
- AVID is not a program for students at risk of not graduating
- AVID is not for students who don't do any of their homework
- AVID is not for the consistently D or F student
- AVID is not for unmotivated students who do not have the individual determination needed for success
AVID Acceptance Requirements
- Average to above average GPA
- Must be a hard worker, have a positive attitude and the desire to work collaboratively with others
- Must be willing to complete four-year university requirements prior to graduation
- Must take at least one AP course while in AVID
- Historically underrepresented in colleges and four-year universities
Success Story
AVID student Faisa Hassan earned the $10,000 national Horatio Alger Scholarship for her academic success, leadership in school, and outside volunteer work.
Success Story
Sharon Burns, a 2017 graduate and AVID student who earned $23,000 in scholarships to be a pre-med major, said, "Before AVID, I was struggling to keep my assignments organized and completed on time, as well as struggling with how to balance my school life with life at home. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up and had all of the motivation, but none of the tools."