If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further than the AVID classroom at Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School. Every senior in this class will soon be a first-generation college student with the scholarships to back it up.
AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is changing the lives of students like Lauren Gallegos. Thanks to AVID, she’ll pursue a degree in nursing at Abilene Christian University with more than $50,000 in scholarships and grants to help pay for school.
“Before joining AVID, I never imagined applying for scholarships or FASFA because the process was overwhelming. Being in AVID really helped me and my family. It gets you in the mindset of how college is going to be.”
If you add up all of the scholarship offers from every NEISD AVID student, it tops 13 million dollars this year! Alijha Lopez plans to play football at the University of Incarnate Word while studying business.
“Being in AVID has helped me get scholarships, get noticed and get more exposure – not just in sports but for my education as a whole. I know the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan. Not a lot of other high school kids do. I’m so grateful to have been in this program for four years in high school.”
Teachers like Jennifer Galindo are there to offer guidance and support through every step of the college application process. AVID also comes with another academic bonus for students.
“The AVID tutors helped me so much in math,” said LEE senior Arely Palomo. “That made a big difference for me. After graduation, I’m going to Our Lady of the Lake University and I’m going to study Criminal Justice and Pre-Law.”
The AVID program is available at many North East ISD middle and high schools.
