School board approves AVID overnight college visit for 31 juniors

The Elkhorn Area School District board approved an overnight AVID college visit for 31 juniors on Oct. (date in October not specified), after hearing a presentation on the trip’s itinerary and student benefits. The trip will include visits to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, UW–Madison, Madison College and Edgewood University; four chaperones will accompany students and the school covers all costs through fundraising, meaning there is no cost to participating students. The AVID presentation, given during the board’s Sept. 22 meeting, emphasized that seeing a range of campus types — two‑ and four‑year institutions, public and private — helps students compare program offerings, facilities and campus life and often informs their postsecondary planning. Four seniors who had participated last year described stronger peer connections, new college options and practical benefits such as learning about application processes and costs. Board members asked routine questions about scheduling and grade levels served; presenters said the trip is limited to juniors, while freshmen and sophomores take different day trips. After discussion a motion to approve the request was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The trip’s stated goals are college exposure, leadership development and giving students multiple post‑secondary options. The board did not set any additional conditions or funding changes when it approved the request.