MIDLAND When Midland ISD announced plans to expand its AVID program to include seventh grade students at every junior high campus, Abell Junior High teacher Ashley Bell knew she’d be the perfect fit for the job. As a graduate of the college prep program, she wanted to give the same hope, inspiration, and support to her students that she received when she was in school.
“There’s another world, and you can make something of yourself,” she said in a news release. “College is within reach for those who want it.”
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college readiness program that provides tutors, teaches study skills, and encourages students to pursue challenging coursework that will prepare them for higher education. The program is designed for students who need additional motivation to pursue higher education. Initially at San Jacinto Junior High, AVID is now available at every junior high campus as well as South Elementary.
After completing the AVID program at San Jacinto, then graduating from Midland High School in 2013, Bell became the first in her family to attend college when she enrolled at Sul Ross State University. Majoring in kinesiology, she had planned to become a coach, but fell in love with teaching when she returned to Midland ISD as a science teacher at Lee Freshman.
Now teaching at Abell Junior High, Mrs. Bell was thrilled to learn that the AVID program would be expanding to her campus. This summer, she mailed letters to 987 colleges explaining the AVID program and requesting support. The colleges responded by mailing her college pennants, which now fill the walls of her classroom, where they inspire her students to dream big.
