T.C. Williams AVID Students Visit Howard University

On Oct. 25, 125 T.C. Williams High School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students participated in a college trip to Howard University in Washington, D.C. This trip was organized by AVID site team members who are constantly working to make the college dream a reality for all students. While at Howard, students enjoyed a tour of the campus, with much of their questions and answers being done in "the Yard" of the campus. Current students serving as tour guides told AVID students about the historic university, buildings that house popular majors and traditions and social celebrations, including the well-known Howard Homecoming Weekend.

Students asked questions about the entrance process specific to Howard, popular majors and financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Recruitment officer and current graduate student Patrick Scott shared his undergraduate story about coming from Chicago to Howard in his quest for a business degree. He emphasized the important of grade point averages and college entrance tests for admittance into Howard. Students also enjoyed lunch in "the Yard" and at the J. Blackburn University Center cafeteria.

In attendance were all AVID students from grades nine through 11, AVID Site Team Coordinator and Ninth-Grade Elective Teacher Rhea Butler, T.C. Williams counselors and AVID tutors.

Students are gearing up for additional fundraiser events, college fairs and community and service opportunities. AVID, a college readiness system, has a mission to decrease the achievement gap through the use of research-based methods, targeting students who are in the academic middle and have determination to attend a four-year college. In its fourth year in ACPS, AVID is experiencing growing participation and is supporting approximately 300 AVID students in grades seven through 12. AVID is made up of more than 70 percent free and reduced lunch students, and includes many possible first-generation college students. ACPS AVID will have its first graduating class in 2012-13, made up of 11 students who have been eagerly visiting and applying to colleges.

For more information on AVID, please contact T.C. Williams Site Coordinator Rhea Butler or ACPS AVID District Director Jodie Peters.