Students and Assistance League ask San Juan Capistrano for support of Igniting Potential AVID program

San Juan Capistrano — Several students, teachers and Assistance League representatives spoke during oral communications on June 3 to describe the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley’s Igniting Potential program and its support for San Juan Hills High School’s AVID students.

Kelly Gill, representing the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, said the volunteer nonprofit allocated over $26,000 in new clothing through its Operation School Bell program and awarded more than $10,000 in grants to middle‑school teachers. Gill said the Igniting Potential pilot (launched in 2024) had already provided $10,000 for college visits and student enrichment at San Juan Hills High School and the Assistance League was seeking city partnership to expand the program locally.

Students and educators spoke about concrete program benefits: Tony Bracamontes, an AVID coordinator and San Juan resident, said the program works with about 170 students and highlighted college admissions successes; student AVID president Ricky Acosta described how donations paid for bus transportation, SAT/ACT prep books and field trips that exposed students to college campuses; teacher Fernanda Aguilar urged the council to consider visibility, collaboration or direct resources to strengthen the partnership.

"Having the right tools helps students feel prepared, focused, and just ready to learn," said AVID president Ricky Acosta.

Council members thanked the speakers and encouraged continued collaboration; no formal action was requested or taken at the meeting.