North Lamar AVID students Mississippi bound

Posted on Sep 1, 2012 in North Lamar by Josh Allen

Despite Hurricane Isaac’s unwelcomed entry into the southern states, thirty-six junior and senior AVID students at North Lamar and their sponsors loaded a bus Friday afternoon headed for the saturated state of Mississippi.

Over the Labor Day weekend, the students will tour the campus of Mississippi State University located in Starkville, Mississippi, and meet with admissions representatives who will explain what is required for college entry.  On Saturday evening, the students have complimentary tickets to attend a Bulldog football game along with all the pre-game festivities.

AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a program that prepares students for college by improving their organizational, writing, and speech skills.  Recruitment begins with eighth grade students in the academic middle who have a desire to pursue a higher education, a willingness to work hard, and a longing to make their dreams come true.

The nationally set curriculum includes teaching students the concept of organization, Cornell notes, and keeping up with a planner.  Tutorials, essay writing, and presentations are a class collaboration and prepare students for taking college entrance exams as the SAT and ACT, applying for scholarships, and creating resumes.  By their senior year, students apply for colleges using the knowledge and skills learned over the four years.

AVID helps students by giving them a support system, creating a desire to attend college, and motivating them to do well in school.  It teaches study skills and strategies for success in a more rigorous curriculum.  And, like this year’s AVID students, they see firsthand what opportunities lie ahead when visiting various college campuses.