School District Honors USA Funds for Support of College Preparatory Program

Approximately 150 Indiana business leaders gathered at a recent event focusing on the success of programs at Indianapolis’ Lawrence Township Schools, including the AVID college preparatory initiative. USA Funds^® received an award in recognition of its support of AVID.

Since 2002 USA Funds has awarded over $334,000 to Lawrence Township’s AVID program. USA Funds supports AVID at each of the three middle schools and the two high schools in the school district, serving more than 550 at-risk students each year. 

“Lawrence Township’s AVID program offers those students who are academically capable but might need additional assistance the skills and educational support to successfully pursue postsecondary education,” says Henry Fernandez, USA Funds vice president, government affairs. “The program is making a difference to Lawrence Township students, and USA Funds is proud to support this program.”

Fernandez accepted the award to USA Funds at the event.

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, targets students who have grade point averages between 2.0 and 2.5 and math scores that indicate greater academic potential. Students in the program typically are first-generation college candidates from underserved populations and have financial need. AVID works with students in grades seven through 12 who are not on a college-bound track in an effort to elevate their capabilities and expectations to further their education.

“AVID truly changes lives,” says Christie Love, executive director, Lawrence Township School Foundation. “You only need to listen to one of our graduating senior’s stories to see that this child has been transformed.”

Approximately 93 percent of students who participate in the program go on to college.