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Advanced Via Individual Determination (AVID)

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AVID Testimonials

Why AVID?

The purpose of AVID is to identify high-potential students, especially those “in the middle,” and help them succeed in a rigorous college prep curriculum to ultimately achieve college acceptance and success. The PHS AVID Program focuses on three essential goals:

Support

  • Academics: Assisting student achievement in core classes through in-class tutor and teacher-led tutorial sessions.

Build

  • Skills: Assisting with current coursework and future college-level skills, including Writing, Critical Thinking, Organization, and Reading.
  • Community: Fostering collaboration both inside and outside the AVID classroom.

Guide

  • Pathways: Guiding students through the pathway to college, including SAT prep, the college application process, and financial aid.

Prospect Student AVID Senior Speeches: Here I Am

Featured Speaker: Carmelle Catamura, PHS AVID c/o 2016

Presented at the AVID Summer Institute in San Diego. Ms. Catamura graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BS in Biomolecular Engineering and is currently pursuing a PhD in Computational Biology at UC Berkeley.

Every year, AVID Seniors write a "Here I Am" speech reflecting on their four-year journey at Prospect High School. These powerful stories highlight personal and academic growth, the guidance they've received, and the lifelong relationships built with peers and AVID staff.

While this is a core assignment, students may also enter their work into the AVID National Speech Contest for a chance to win a cash prize and speak at an AVID Conference.

Why the focus on four-year enrollment? View Details

While most California Community College students intend to transfer, the average transfer rates remain low:

  • 4% transfer after two years
  • 25% transfer after four years
  • 38% transfer after six years

Direct enrollment at a four-year institution can often be more cost-effective than starting at a community college.

California faces a shortage of 1.1 million bachelor's degrees by 2030.

  • 68% of new jobs will require college credentials.
  • Only 29% of undergraduates are currently in four-year programs.

Source: Hans Johnson et al., "Will California Run Out of College Graduates?"

AVID Courses

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) View Details

AVID is a support program for self-directed and motivated students bound for four-year universities. Students typically enter as freshmen and remain through their senior year, maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA in college preparatory courses.

The curriculum focuses on writing, inquiry, and collaboration, with seminars in note-taking, goal setting, time management, and SAT/ACT preparation. Students also receive tutorial support and have opportunities to visit universities and hear from career speakers.

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Prerequisite: Application and interview
  • UC/CSU Area: College Prep Elective (g) - all levels
  • Graduation Credit: CTE; General Electives
  • Course Numbers:
    • • AVID 1: #18900
    • • AVID 2: #18910
    • • AVID 3: #18920
    • • AVID Seminar: #18930
AVID Peer Tutoring View Details

Tutors serve as role models and life coaches across multiple grades. This course involves 16 hours of training in professionalism, coaching, group discussion facilitation, and anchor grading.

  • Grade Levels: 11-12
  • Graduation Credit: General Electives
  • UC/CSU Area: None

Staff

For more information, please contact:

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