Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the K 12 Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vista Ridge students and staff tell trustees AVID boosts college readiness and belonging
Summary
Vista Ridge High School staff, students and alumni described how the AVID program expanded on campus and supported students academically and personally; presenters said AVID grew from 2 to 14 sections, serves 300+ students and helped seniors secure more than $2 million in scholarship offers for the class of 2025.
Vista Ridge High School representatives presented to the Leander ISD Board on Oct. 23 to showcase the campus AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program and to share student, alumni and parent perspectives on its academic and social benefits.
Keith Morgan, Vista Ridge principal, said the school’s AVID program began in 2007 with two elective sections and has grown to 14 sections serving over 300 students per year. He called AVID a ‘‘college readiness system that equips students with the skills, habits, and confidence to succeed in college, careers and life.’’
Students and alumni described personal outcomes. Junior Sebastian Holt said AVID helped him overcome isolation and build public-speaking and organizational skills: ‘‘It didn't just teach me, it helped heal me,’’ he said. Senior Eliana Aguilar highlighted academic gains, noting a 3.97 unweighted GPA and multiple college acceptances with scholarship offers. Freshman Kaylee Negrete, now at the University of Texas at Austin, said AVID provided a sense of belonging and practical skills that made rejoining the program in high school ‘‘the right decision.’’
Parent Charles Milligan, in a recorded comment, credited AVID with helping his three children gain organization, accountability and the ability to pursue scholarship opportunities: "I highly recommend this class."
Program data cited by the presenters included higher AP enrollment and comparable pass rates for AVID students, and AVID seniors securing more than $2 million in scholarship offers for the class of 2025. The board thanked presenters and took a group photograph with students after the presentation.
Why it matters Trustees said the presentation illustrated how district programs can support academic persistence and college preparation. Several board members expressed interest in visiting the campus and learning how AVID strategies could inform districtwide practices.
What’s next No board action was required; the board moved on to the agenda’s demographic presentation after recognizing the AVID team.
