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Teachers and students describe AVID’s role in college readiness at Carmel Unified board meeting
Summary
AVID teachers and a student described how the Advancement Via Individual Determination program supports first-generation and underrepresented students through tutorials, college trips and sustained mentoring; the presentation was informational and no board action was taken.
At a Carmel Unified School District board meeting, AVID teachers Aubrey Powers, Mark Stafford and Bridget Randazzo described the Advancement Via Individual Determination program and its role in preparing students for postsecondary pathways. The presentation included student testimony and examples of program activities.
The teachers said AVID helps students complete A–G requirements, develop study skills and build college application competencies. "We fill the role of the hidden curriculum — the information first-generation students often don’t have," Aubrey Powers said, noting AVID’s emphasis on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. The presenters said about 70 students are currently enrolled in AVID at Carmel High School, representing roughly 8–10% of the high school population.
Student Celine, who said she has been in AVID for four years, described college trips and support that helped her apply for scholarships and internships. "When we went to Cal Poly, I was able to see the type of campus I liked," she said. Presenters said college-travel, tutorial groups and alumni connections are central program features and that keeping tutors and sustaining meet-time across grades are ongoing challenges.
Board members praised the presentation, highlighted AVID’s contribution to Carmel Unified’s high college-and-career readiness scores, and asked questions about outreach and access to community colleges and vocational programs. Trustee Jake Odello offered to help with transportation for college trips, and several trustees urged better marketing of the program so more eligible students enroll.
The board took no action on the informational item. Teachers said they will return with additional information if requested and encouraged trustees to support targeted outreach and volunteer involvement to expand industry and community participation in AVID.
