Students enter high school with short-term goals, like getting good grades and making memories, and longer-term goals, 

such as getting their dream job or retiring early. For students in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), it is a pursuit to become first-generation college students and prepare themselves with the necessary skills for success in life.

The AVID goal adequately equips students with the tools and resources in high school to help them succeed in college and beyond with rigorous coursework to prepare essential life skills. These skills include proper note-taking skills, building better resumes, and building the best college applications for competitive colleges.

For Keylani Ascencio (‘24), AVID was a program she learned about in middle school.

“I wanted to continue my education,” Ascencio said. “I decided to go into AVID in middle school just to see what it’s about [and it became a] program that prepared me for everything.”

For Ascencio, it’s a desire to pursue her education at a four-year university at Cal Poly SLO. 

As a program, AVID has a strong reputation among parents and students. Barbara Moreno’s (‘24) aunt and mother told her about AVID and urged her to join.

“I really wanted to go to college,” Moreno said. 

AVID as a program can be highly flexible; the overarching goal of getting good grades and college is always there, but changes happen.

“Some students realize that maybe college isn’t for them, or their pathways change,” Ascencio said. “AVID is going to support you in whatever you want to do.”

Nate Auten (‘24) mentioned AVID was never really stressful, and in reality, a class where he could relax.

“Middle school was when it was stressful because of Cornell notes,” Auten said. “But high school has been a place where you can chill and get your work done.”

Ulises Chavez (‘24) mentioned AVID is the foundation of success. However, success mainly depends on the student’s determination.

“Sophomore, junior, [and] senior year, there’s an expectation, and you have to give it 110%,” Chavez said. “You have to want it; [The teachers are] going to help you, but you have to want it as well.”

Creating the drive and motivation needed for success that AVID can provide for you must also be desired by the students. 

When this motivation becomes common among the students, it creates a family for its students. They have spent years as a group and have grown up together.

“I know it’s kinda cliche to call ourselves a family, but I feel that’s actually the case,” Auten said.  “We truly want the best for each other, and that shows throughout the class and the program as a whole.”

The AVID trips are another way for students to bond when they visit college campuses. 

“Once you step onto a campus, [there is a] vibe you get, [which determines whether] I see myself here or not,” Ascencio said.

AVID trips are also a way for students to visit many campuses for much cheaper and give them that opportunity. 

“As someone who wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to every college and explore the campuses, the trips have been beneficial,” Ascencio said.

Kahlea Cajas (‘24) completely changed her opinions on the colleges she wanted to attend. Going on campus allowed her to experience other colleges she had previously not considered and realize that some colleges she thought she wanted to go to were not the right fit.

“I wouldn’t have thought I’d be applying to all of the colleges I applied to until I saw them on the trips,” Cajas said.

Even though AVID never toured Chico State, where Auten is committed to, seeing the other colleges allowed him to narrow down his choices and find the best possible fit for him. 

“[AVID] allowing us to [go on campuses] has really helped me figure out where I want to go,” Auten said. 

The 2024 graduating AVID class has a 100 percent acceptance rate to colleges, with 36 attending four-year universities and 15 attending community colleges.

Ultimately, AVID provides students with critical experiences and guidance to make informed decisions about their future. This program’s emphasis on college preparation and personal growth ensures that students are ready to face the challenges of higher education and beyond. Through AVID, students are equipped academically and build a support network that fosters a sense of community and shared ambition.