School District and University Team Up to Break Financial Barriers for AVID Students

Hope International University (HIU) in Fullerton established a partnership with Valencia High School in Placentia to grant a $12,000 per year scholarship to eligible students enrolled in the Advancement Via Individualized Determination (AVID) program that when combined with other financial aid, will result in all tuition costs being covered.

Now in place at five Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified schools, the national AVID program for over 30 years has been making college dreams become a reality for students who are the first in their families to attend college, live in underprivileged homes, or are under-represented in universities.

“It’s a game-changer for our students,” said Principal Rick Lopez. “The financial barriers of the past are no longer there and now eligible students who were only previously hindered by finances will be able to earn their college degree. It’s a win-win for them, their families and the communities where they will live and make a difference.”

AVID is an elective class where students learn about colleges, applications, college study skills, note taking, and academic skills such as writing, inquiry, and collaboration—just to name a few. AVID students take the elective class throughout their high school years. The program has been at Valencia High for 16 years with just under 300 students currently enrolled, including 54 seniors.

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