Become an AVID Student: AVID Application

Applications will be considered as they are submitted. Limited seats are available and will be filled on first come, first served basis.

Questions?
Ms. Celine Besman

About AVID

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a global nonprofit organization that operates with one guiding principle: Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge. It is a college readiness system that prepares students in kindergarten through 12th grade for college eligibility and success. Some colleges and universities have also implemented AVID to help their students. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by more than 4,800 schools and 41 institutions of higher education in 45 states and 16 countries, providing training for more than 30,000 educators each year and making a difference in the lives of more than 700,000 students.  Approximately 74% of AVID high school graduates enroll in college.

AVID is for all students but targets those in the academic middle and who are usually under-served. Its systematic approach is designed to support students and educators as they increase school-wide/district-wide learning and performance. AVID is not a remedial, niche or college outreach program. It is not a free ride nor is it a study hall. Students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in their AVID elective class as well as do the academically rigorous and challenging work required.

AVID Mission

AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. It is designed to ensure all students, especially the least served students who are in the academic middle to:

• Succeed in rigorous curriculum
• Complete a rigorous college preparatory path
• Enter mainstream activities of the school
• Enrollment in four-year colleges
• Become educated and responsible participants and leaders in their communities and our society

Basic Requirements for AVID Acceptance

• GPA of 2.0 to 3.5
• Must be a hard worker, have a positive attitude and work collaboratively with others
• Must be able to complete four-year university requirements prior to graduation
• Must take at least one Honors/AICE/AP or Industry Certification course while in AVID
• Typically underrepresented in colleges and four-year universities

 

AVID @ Palm Beach Central

AVID @ Palm Beach Central has a local mission. In our AVID classrooms, we help to "build bridges over" achievement gaps. We understand that sometimes it's not enough to simply say "close the gap." Some of our students need to see "how" to close a gap. One way is to build another route to your goal, taking the focus off of the gap and placing it on the destination.

AVID was introduced at Palm Beach Central in the fall 2016 with two AVID elective classes and 8 AVID trained staff. In 2017 we added two more sections, inclusive to 9th and 10th grade. In 2020, Palm Beach Central High School had its first AVID Senior graduating class with 40 students who led the way and proved AVID support benefits students academic achievements. Our students are selected based on the above criteria and are given the choice whether or not they would like to participate in the program. AVID is voluntary.

AVID is an elective class held five days a week. AVID students are required to take at least one Honors/AICE/AP or Industry Certification and through AVID, they learn valuable skills, such as writing, note taking, reading, inquiry, collaboration, organization, critical thinking, that will help them succeed in more rigorous courses. AVID-trained tutors facilitate small group student tutorial sessions twice a week.

Through our program, AVID students visit colleges and universities to learn about academic requirements, classes, programs, opportunities and collegiate life. They also attend career fairs, college fairs and participate in team building activities.

Guest speakers, including professionals in various career fields, are invited to come in and inspire our students. We also believe in the power of support. AVID hosts special events such as AVID Family Night and AVID student activities to reinforce team building efforts.

Why AVID Works

• Places AVID students in rigorous curriculum and gives them the support to achieve
• Provides a team of students for positive peer identification
• Redefines the teacher’s role as that of student advocate
• Transforms schools by creating a college-going culture throughout an entire school, impacting all students

AVID's Success Rate

Since its establishment in California more than 30 years ago, AVID has become the most successful college preparatory program for underserved students.

• 92% plan to enroll in a college or university
• 60% plan to enroll in a four-year university
• 32% plan to enroll in a two-year college
• 83% of parents have less than a four-year college degree

AVID Contacts

Celine Besman
AVID Coordinator

Willow Louis
AVID Administrator

Visit the AVID National Web site at www.avid.org.

Follow us on Twitter: @pbchsAVIDtude