The mission of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program is simple- to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. This mission cannot be achieved with classroom learning alone, and the program is designed to foster collaboration. Community partnerships and support allow the program to flourish in a variety of ways.
Local professionals provide mentorship, give insight into their industries and conduct mock interviews to prepare students for college and job applications. Businesses and philanthropic groups also make monetary donations to fund learning materials, field trips and testing fees. A strong AVID program usually has a strong connection to its community.
The AVID programs and San Clemente and San Juan Hills received a generous donation from one of their biggest champions, the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley. The ALCV presented checks for $20,000 to San Clemente AVID and $10,000 for San Juan Hills AVID. The donations will directly impact student success, funding SAT fees, college field trips, a leadership conference for freshmen, new classroom equipment and educator training.
“We are so honored by this gift from the ALCV and grateful for their continued support,” said Erin Bro, the San Clemente AVID coordinator. “This donation will directly impact our student success, funding SAT fees for 70 AVID students, college field trips and a leadership conference for freshmen, new desktops for the classroom, and completion of the AVID Certified Educator program for four staff members.”
The Assistance League of Capistrano Valley is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the essential needs of the local community since 1977. Each year the members volunteer over 20,000 hours serving the community and raise thousands of dollars.
“The Assistance League of Capistrano Valley is proud to work with Capistrano Unified School District and the AVID programs,” said president Kathi Manuel. “We wanted to find a way to support high school students, and AVID was the perfect group to support. Our members love working with these students to prepare them to succeed in school and prepare them for life after graduation.”
ALCV raises money primarily through the Bargain Box Thrift Store in San Clemente, which is entirely managed and staffed by volunteers. Revenue is augmented by a robust grant writing program. Support for the San Clemente and San Juan Hills AVID programs comes from an initiative called Igniting Potential.