Belton ISD secondary students who want to go to college and may need a little extra guidance and support are invited to apply to join the district’s AVID program. 

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationwide program that helps students develop study and academic skills to ensure college readiness and success. 

Students in seventh-11th grade can apply by March 10 to begin the program at their campus in the fall. The application is available online at https://tinyurl.com/BISDAVID2023. 

“This program is for students with drive and determination to succeed who just need more support and encouragement to make things happen,” Jennifer Hollingsworth, coordinator of Advanced Academics, said. “Sometimes a student wants to take upper-level classes, but could use a little extra support, or they have potential but don't always put it to use. Others are first-generation college students or are facing obstacles outside of school that cause them not to perform as well in the classroom. AVID gives these students opportunities to explore their next steps in education through field trips, guided career exploration and support in the classroom.”

About 520 students are currently in the program district-wide. 

Belton High School junior Maverick Karanasos joined five years ago at a friend’s suggestion.

“It taught me how to organize everything,” he said. “I remember in the sixth grade it was terrible. I was so unorganized and now I have my work completed on time, have a calendar and planner.”

Hudson Baker, an eighth-grader at Lake Belton Middle School, joined to improve his focus and study skills.

“It’s helping me become a better learner than when I wasn’t in AVID,” he said. 

Learn more about Belton ISD’s AVID program at https://bit.ly/3ZNJPc4.