Goose Creek Memorial High School AVID students (from left) Michael Mafilou, Angelique Vasquez, Ein Tang, Catherine Montoya, Rigo Ayala, Doeny Toscano, Trinity Lattin and Patrick Prudhomme participate in a “Mock” Demo visit.
IMPACT Early College High School students work on an assignment during AVID. Pictured are (from left) Diego Salazar, Mark Salazar, Joan Soto, Ary Shahi, Cristian Grimaldo and Kennedy Cortez.
Robert E. Lee High School AVID students work at Fish Camp last summer. Pictured are (front, from left) Jerry Rodriguez, Effren Vasquez, Josue Valladares, (back, from left) Carlos Rangel, Denise Avila, Julissa Trejo, Brianna Burrell, Joyce Castillo and Diana Pedraza.
GCCISD AVID Students Outperforming Students Nationally
By: Susan Passmore
Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District recently released new 2018-2019 data on the success of last year’s graduating class of students participating in the district’s AVID program -- a nationally-recognized program that helps students navigate the college application process, and build the academic and soft skills needed to succeed in college and the workforce of the future.
Last year, 93% of Goose Creek CISD seniors participating in AVID completed a FAFSA application, compared to the national rate of 61%. Likewise, 91% of AVID students applied to a four-year college, and 85% were accepted. Nationally, 81% of high school students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree yet less than 50% actually enroll at a four-year university.
“The results are a testament to the dedication of our AVID teachers and the hard work that our AVID students put in every day,” said Dr. Randal O’Brien, Goose Creek CISD superintendent. “AVID truly prepares students for college, and the fact that 91 % of our AVID students applied to a four-year college and 85% were accepted shows that the program is inspiring students to overcome obstacles and work hard to accomplish their goals.”
Research shows that applying for ?nancial aid is one of the best predictors of whether a student will enroll in college. Through the AVID program, the district hosts regular FAFSA application nights and provides dedicated in-school time for students to work with teachers and sta? to complete their applications, providing them with better insight into the ?nancial resources available to them.
“We congratulate Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District for its demonstrated commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education. The milestones announced today reflect the Goose Creek CISD District’s holistic approach to college readiness -- starting with building a culture of high expectations among teachers and students, and including the delivery of rigorous, student-centric instruction that prepares them for college-level work,” said Dr. Sandy Husk, former school superintendent and CEO of AVID. “We are proud to be part of Goose Creek Independent School District's work to ensure all students can reach their full potential.”
Goose Creek CISD joins over 7,000 K-12 schools and districts across 47 states that partner with AVID to build a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms. To learn more: www.AVID.org.