AVID

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a 4-year college and career readiness program designed to support students in achieving their potential and preparing for life after high school. At Evanston Township High School, AVID provides students with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed in rigorous coursework and develop the skills needed for success in high school and far beyond.

Program Overview

AVID is more than a class—it’s a community. Students take a yearly, two-credit AVID elective course focused on study skills, organization, college and career exploration, and goal setting. AVID students meet with teachers three times a week and with trained tutors twice a week for collaborative inquiry sessions, where students work in small study groups to tackle challenging coursework. In Grades 9 and 10, students also participate in AVID Study Hall.

AVID helps students build confidence, take ownership of their learning, and grow as leaders. The program opens doors to honors and AP coursework, college opportunities, and scholarships.

Students enrolled in AVID:

Receive personalized academic support and high expectations
Learn study skills, organization, and time management strategies
Receive help with goal-setting and academic planning
Gain tools for managing rigorous coursework
Explore college and career options
Visit college campuses and attend workshops
Develop leadership experience and a strong academic identity
Build a strong peer community that encourages academic achievement

The AVID program at ETHS is built on a foundation of Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR) strategies. These academic behaviors are taught and reinforced throughout the four years to support students in succeeding in rigorous coursework and preparing for college and beyond.

Eligibility
Academic Requirements

Eligibility

AVID is designed for students who are highly motivated to succeed and would benefit from additional academic support and guidance. Many AVID students are the first in their families to attend college, are historically underrepresented in higher education, or are looking for a structured, supportive community to help them reach their goals.

AVID is an invitational program. Students are typically recommended for AVID by 8th-grade teachers and must complete an application and interview process. Students are selected based on a number of factors, including test scores, teacher recommendations, and academic motivation as demonstrated by attendance, behavior, and grade-point average.

To be considered, eligible students must complete an application, essay, and interview as part of the selection process.

Academic Requirements

Grade Monitoring: Students are required to complete and submit an academic summary on a regular basis. This report tracks current grades and includes feedback on areas where additional support may be needed.

Minimum GPA: Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, the national AVID standard, to remain in good standing in the program. Students falling below this threshold receive support to improve performance.

AVID Program Highlights

College & Career Readiness

AVID helps students prepare for life after high school by building the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college or a career. Students explore college options, learn how to complete applications, write personal statements, and understand the financial aid process. The program demystifies higher education and provides a clear path forward.

Academic Support

Students in AVID build strong academic habits through structured lessons in organization, note-taking, time management, and study skills. Weekly tutorials led by trained tutors allow students to get help with challenging coursework while learning how to ask questions, think critically, and solve problems independently.

Strong Student Community

AVID creates a sense of belonging by bringing together students with shared goals in a supportive, consistent classroom environment. The program emphasizes relationship-building—with peers, tutors, and the AVID teacher—and gives students a safe space to grow both personally and academically.

Leadership & Confidence Building

AVID encourages students to take initiative, speak up, and lead. Whether through classroom discussions, school involvement, or service projects, students develop the confidence and communication skills they’ll need in college and beyond. Many students go on to become role models and leaders in their school communities.

Focused Support for First-Generation College Students

AVID is especially powerful for students who will be the first in their family to attend college. It offers personalized support, early exposure to the college experience, and a network of caring adults who help students—and their families—navigate unfamiliar systems and processes.

Access to Enrichment Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, AVID opens doors. Students take field trips to colleges and universities, meet guest speakers from various career paths, attend leadership conferences, and engage in service-learning experiences. These opportunities help students connect classroom learning to the real world and imagine what’s possible for their future.

Standardized Testing Preparation

AVID helps students build confidence and readiness for important standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and PSAT. Students learn test-taking strategies, time management techniques, and how to approach different question types. The program often includes guided practice with sample questions, vocabulary building, and critical reading skills to improve performance. For many AVID students, this structured support is the first time they’ve had direct preparation for college entrance exams—leading to stronger scores and more postsecondary options.

Contact Information

AVID Office
E210

Keilan Bonner
AVID Coordinator
Phone: (847) 424-7685
Email: bonnerk@eths202.org

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