Freshmen who are members of AVID will visit Stephen F. Austin State University, where they will tour, eat, and learn about the historic college.

AVID gives students the opportunity to travel to colleges across the state, so they can experience what college offers and provides. Students can see what is outside of these high school walls instead of being in the dark about college.

“The experience of visiting college and seeing things first hand really helped them solidify ‘hey, I can do this,’” AVID teacher Michelle West said.

According to West, giving students a clear eye view of college will encourage them these students that something is out there for them.

“AVID is about advancing beyond what kids think they can do, because college is the most abstract concept to kids,” West said.

Just going to a university with her students is a fun thing to see.

“I love experiencing [college visits] with my students,” West said. “The light bulb moments are fun to witness.”

Colleges offer so many different clubs, organizations, sports, and degree options that many of these students are not aware of.

“Kids don’t even know what’s out there,” West said. “But AVID kids get to learn about all of these opportunities.”