Seniors enrolled in Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ AVID program earned nearly $111.4 million in scholarship offers this year, a 33.6 percent increase from the prior year that shattered the previous single-year high of $83.4 million. The offers are $28 million more than those earned by seniors who graduated a year ago and are just one indication of the growing success of the Advancement Via Individual Determination Program in the school district.
“Our work to help every student Belong, Grow, and Succeed takes place in every class and at every level,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell said. “This data is evidence of what can happen when determined, hard-working students are exposed to quality curriculum and initiatives tailored to their needs and delivered by committed, talented educators."
Seniors at six of AACPS’ 14 comprehensive high schools earned more than $9 million this year, led by Glen Burnie High School’s record single-year total of $24.5 million. North County High School seniors pulled in $17.1 million in offers, followed by Annapolis ($10.7 million), Old Mill ($9.6 million), Southern ($9.3 million), and Northeast ($9.1 million).
“We have spent considerable time in the AVID program helping our teachers help students to explore and take advantage of the multitude of opportunities that exist,” AVID Coordinator Dot Arida said. “This data reflects what has been a four-year emphasis on that approach. I could not be prouder of our AVID team."
AVID, a national program that exists in 47 states, is designed to enhance student success and prepare students for post-secondary education and future careers. Designed for students in the “academic middle,” it focuses on academic support, skill development, and fostering a college-going culture to empower students to reach their full potential. In AACPS, AVID is a program of choice in all middle and high schools and also exists in 12 elementary schools.
The scholarship offers are $48.7 million (78 percent) more than those earned in 2022, the first full year students were back in school after the pandemic. In addition to the scholarship offers:
94 percent of AVID seniors were accepted to at least one four-year college or university.
84 percent of AVID seniors earned at least one scholarship.
77 percent of AVID seniors took at least one Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Early College Access Program course.
For more information about the AVID program, go to www.aacps.org/avid.