Hats off to AVID students and Heritage High School

We’ve blogged about the success of the AVID program (which provides a college prep curriculum to students that may not see a clear path to higher ed) before, but I was especially pleased to learn this week about the opportunities the program is providing for 11^th-graders at Heritage High School in Vancouver.

According to the Columbian, “Thirty-one AVID juniors spent four days and three nights dipping a toe into college life at the University of Portland, last month. They slept in dorms, attended real classes, ate real cafeteria food and found that juggling responsibility with new freedoms takes maturity.”

“College: You’re supposed to do everything on your own. That’s what it means to me,” said Kristin Guest, a student who wants to teach English. Without adults watching, she said, “you have to motivate yourself, to pay attention and actually do your homework.” (Although one could argue the same should be true of high school, but...)

One hundred and forty students were also bused to Seattle to check out the University of Washington (represent!). Though some students decided they liked the smaller feel of Portland, while others enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the UW, all got to build on their college prep and AP curriculum and see what it really takes to be a college student.

“We use that term: To ‘demystify’ the college experience,” said instructor Aaron Reilly, who has stayed with the same students since ninth grade.

With graduation coming next year, the chance to experience different college environments is absolutely essential for students. Hats off to Heritage High School for demystifying college for their students and to the students for making a true commitment to graduate college ready.*

*As a last note, I’d like to offer a special “Caps off!” to all the class of 2008 seniors who will be graduating in the next few weeks. I’ll be in Bellevue High School’s stadium tonight to celebrate the achievement of my girl, Karina, who will be attending Western Washington University next year. Big ups to all!