AVID students in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District outperform students nationwide in recent college readiness data

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) recently received remarkable data outlining the success of AVID students who graduated district-wide in 2019.

Last year, an impressive 98% of PYLUSD AVID seniors completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), compared to the national rate of 61%. The FAFSA is the application students fill out in order to determine their financial aid eligibility for college. According to AVID, research shows that applying for financial aid is one of the best predictors of whether a student will enroll in college.

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationally-recognized program that helps students navigate the college application process, and build the academic and soft skills needed to succeed in higher education and the workforce of the future.

Through the AVID program, PYLUSD hosts regular FAFSA application nights and provides dedicated in-school time for students to work with teachers and staff to complete their application, providing them with better insight into the financial resources available to them.

Furthermore, 90% of PYLUSD AVID students applied to a four-year university and 86% were accepted. Nationwide, 81% of high school students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, yet less than 50% actually enroll at a four-year university.

“We congratulate Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District for its demonstrated commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue a postsecondary education,” said Dr. Sandy Husk, CEO of AVID.

PYLUSD boasts 18 AVID school sites total including 3 of its comprehensive high schools – El Dorado, Esperanza, and Valencia. All 6 PYLUSD middle schools partake in the program, as well as 9 elementary schools.

Notably, 3 PYLUSD campuses have earned the AVID National Demonstration/Showcase School distinction – Valencia High School, Kraemer Middle School, and Ruby Drive Elementary School. The 3 PYLUSD schools matriculate into one another, creating California’s first ever elementary through high school AVID National Demonstration School feeder pattern.

PYLUSD will continue its commitment to providing all students – including those in AVID – the resources necessary to prepare them for success now and in the future.