ACPS begins to recruit for AVID Program

Recruitment Begins for Expanded AVID Program

January through March marks a key time for the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). Based on the Alexandria City School Board's approval of the 2014-15 Program of Studies, AVID will expand to include sixth-grade students at both middle school campuses. Currently, AVID is offered to students in grades seven through 12 in ACPS.

T.C. Williams AVID students attend the African American Student Leadership Conference sponsored by Bryant Education Leadership Group in Washington, D.C., in January.

AVID, a college readiness system, is designed to support students who may be the first in their families to attend college, are historically underrepresented at four-year colleges, possess 2.0-3.5 grade point averages and are deemed in the "academic middle" and truly are determined to go to college. Each interested student must complete an application, take part in an interview and be selected by the site team.

AVID students are expected to take one or more rigorous courses, including Algebra in the eighth grade and an honors or Advanced Placement course, and to take part in consistent community and service events. Over time, AVID students will have opportunities to visit anywhere from 10-12 colleges during their middle and high school years. These students are eligible for other benefits, such as free college entrance testing, leadership opportunities, multicultural events and hearing from approximately 15 speakers each year. For the second year, the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria also will give away a scholarship designated specifically for an AVID senior.

Lt. Col. Julie Freeman speaks to AVID 9 students about her choice to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania's nursing program as a ROTC student.

In ACPS, 340 students participate in AVID in grades seven through 12. This year's senior class will graduate 23 students who are now eagerly completing their FAFSAs, the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria application, a minimum of four college applications each and scholarship searches, all with the help of various AVID supporters.

For more information on how a child can apply for AVID, please contact the AVID Site Coordinator at each campus: Erica Daniels, Stephanie Smith and Rhea Butler. For more information on the international program, visit the website.