Starting from just a small classroom with a few students, AVID has become a worldwide phenomenon. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is an organization which prepares students for college, or life after high school. Thanks to the countless number of rewards provided by this organization, today 800,000 students in 44 states and 16 other countries/territories are given the opportunity to be successful.

The school introduced AVID eight years ago, and it has since made a huge impact on students in the program. Grant Wilhite has been teaching AVID since it was brought in.

“[It] gets [the students] ready to go to college by preparing them with study skills, time management, organization and higher level classes so they are prepared,” Wilhite said.

AVID immensely considers every student who applies to join the program. However, standards are set high when it comes to students who aren’t willing to put in the effort. According to Wilhite, in order to get accepted into AVID each student must apply, interview, and have their grades and discipline reviewed. If the student meets the criteria, then they are approved.

When joining AVID, many students prosper in various ways. They are able to plan for their futures and take the necessary steps toward their careers.

“The biggest benefit, especially for senior year, is in class [when] we do many applications for scholarships and admissions,” senior Sydney Marie Valentine-Parris said.

AVID students complete university entrance requirements at a much higher rate than other students. The early action taken allows them to enjoy a less stressful senior year.

“I just got my acceptance letter from UNT in November, and most people are just now applying,” Valentine-Parris said.

The program encourages students to think about their futures and the steps needed to accomplish their goals.

“Joining this program has helped me get to where I want to go,” senior Celica Corona said.

In the class, students are taught helpful ways to study and take notes. AVID students utilize the Cornell notes strategy in their everyday classes.

“AVID has helped me with the way I study, and organization, like using my binder,” Corona said.

These methods are beneficial to students when they step foot on a college campus.

“We have a tremendous success rate when our students get on college campuses,” Wilhite said. “They are prepared and are able to start being successful right away.”

Corona expresses her plan to continue applying her AVID strategies throughout college.

“They really do help me, like my planner, my notes, and organizing everything,” Corona said.

With the help of present and future students, the AVID program will continue to guide students to be successful. The accomplishments achieved are not only due to the effort put in by the advisers, but the members of the program as well.

“[The students are] what make it great,” Wilhite said.