Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID for short, is a program run by site coordinator Mrs. Lewis, as well as Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Lusar, that offers many opportunities for students looking to develop real-world skills.
AVID is a nationally recognized program designed to help self-motivated students in their completion of college-prep coursework while in high school, in hopes that these students will be able to gain acceptance to colleges or universities directly from high school. AVID is a four-year elective class for students with academic potential.
Mrs. Lewis, the site coordinator of AVID, says, “the program counts as the ‘g’ in the ‘A-G’ requirements and offers college and career readiness by teaching students skills they need such as note taking, reading, organization and time management.”
Upon entering AVID, students enroll in the “A-G” sequence, college preparatory classes that fulfill the requirements for entry into the University of California and California State University systems. Tutors from area colleges and universities work with the AVID students, assisting them in all academic areas to make progress commensurate with college expectations.
Mariam Taheri (12) says, “When we have personal preparation for what we want to do as a major or in the future, and what specific colleges are looking for, it sets students like me up for success. It’s necessary to have a class offered that is geared more toward college preparation, so that we can feel even more ready after high school.”
Seminars are also offered in note-taking, study skills, test taking, time management, college entrance exam preparation, problem-solving and research skills. Students also receive extensive help in preparing college applications, applying for scholarships and completing financial aid forms.
AVID emphasizes goal-setting skills to succeed in school and in life, and creates a team of students for positive peer tutoring. The program also utilizes techniques to increase student motivation and redefines the teacher’s role as a student advocate and a personal-success coach.
AVID students typically have a GPA range between 2.8 and 3.5, self-motivation, average-to-high test scores, college potential and self-determination.
Mrs. Lewis says, “Juniors and seniors can be an AVID peer tutor through a simple interview; if you take AVID, you can help mentor students and set a good example for them.”
As an AVID peer tutor, upperclassmen can develop important leadership skills. This role counts as community service, meaning tutors would receive four hours of volunteering a week for a grand total of 150 hours by the end of the school year.
This position is a great fit for anyone who has strong communication and personal skills, and has an interest in teaching, mentoring and leading.
Students interested in AVID should look into the class before entering high school, as it is typically taken as a four-year elective class. Middle school students can fill out a google form found on the ANHS website under “Academics”, and someone from ANHS AVID will personally meet the student for an interview between March and May.
AVID is an excellent option for any student who is looking to feel well prepared after high school and succeed in their professional life.
