"Average" Students Achieve Excellence With Personal Support

Middle- and high-school students in Indianapolis' Lawrence Township School District will be better prepared for college eligibility and success thanks to USA Funds^®. A $60,000 grant will provide funding for the AVID program, which benefits five schools — Belzer, Craig and Fall Creek Valley middle schools, and Lawrence Central and Lawrence North high schools.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) places academically average students in a rigorous curriculum and gives them the support to succeed. The program targets students in grades seven through 12 who are not on a college-bound track and elevates their capabilities and expectations to further their education. Many of the students will be first-generation college attendees, from families that might not have considered college as an option or goal.

"We're grateful for the unique role we've played in better equipping AVID students for college preparation and success," said Pat Roe, USA Funds philanthropy manager. "We're constantly amazed by the achievements of students when given the opportunity to succeed."

The local AVID program, introduced in 2001, was modeled after a successful program in California founded in 1980. AVID now serves more than 92,000 students in 1,650 middle and high schools in 24 states and 16 countries. This is the third year that USA Funds has supplied major funding for the program in the Lawrence Township school system.

"With USA Funds' presence as a major provider of funding for the program, we've been able to be more effective — focusing our efforts on putting the best tutors in place, creating the finest program, and recruiting the most-deserving students," said Christie Love, executive director of the Lawrence Township School Foundation.

Providing a system of services
The AVID support system includes:

• An elective class that meets daily.
• Structured time with peers and a trained mentor-counselor tutor.
• Instruction on the Cornell note-taking method.
• An AVID organization binder for use in all classes.
• Training for effective study skills.
• Family workshops.
• Writing instruction.
• Motivational presentations by guest speakers.
• Training on study skills specifically for college-entrance and placement exams.
• Field trips to colleges and businesses.

Since 1990, more than 15,000 students have graduated from AVID programs nationwide. Ninety-eight percent were accepted to two- and four-year colleges. The first class of students at Lawrence Central High School enrolled in AVID will graduate in 2005. So far, results show that the majority of AVID students have enrolled in more-rigorous course work and have increased their overall grade-point averages.

Enhancing preparation, access, success
"Because of AVID, the kids are given a renewed sense of direction," said Love. "The tutors are the key. While some teachers have the attitude that students can’t change, AVID tutors are set up to see and help students recognize their true potential. They are there to help the students succeed."

Will Glover, a Lawrence Township AVID participant, said, "AVID has basically changed my whole attitude about getting good grades and working hard to earn them."

"I can't put a dollar amount on how much this program has helped me," said Lawrence Township AVID participant Josh Knose.

USA Funds' sponsorship of the AVID program is in support of the company's mission to enhance postsecondary-education preparedness, access and success by providing and supporting financial and other valued services. In 2003, USA Funds committed $14.7 million in support of philanthropic activities that help advance this mission.