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The Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program at Brooklyn Center Middle and High School STEAM (BCS) is one of many ways that Brooklyn Center Community Schools prepares students for life beyond classroom walls. Through this daily elective course, students learn and refine skills revolving around WICOR: Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. They also have the opportunity to craft resumes, research careers of interest, and apply for scholarships and financial aid. At its core, AVID exists to close the opportunity gap for students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. 

In her classroom, AVID Coordinator Andrea Kemink tailors the curriculum to the topics that the class would like to focus on depending on grade level. This year, 7th grade AVID students volunteered at Second Harvest Heartland. Multiple classes as young as 8th grade visited local colleges and universities like the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, St. Thomas University, and Concordia College. Juniors have studied hard for the upcoming ACT while seniors have submitted college applications and scholarships, and upcoming students in grades 9-12 will be preparing for the NWSISD Student Leadership competition on April 21. Additionally, AVID 11 will participate in an e-mentor's program with Best Prep as well as Street Law instruction from St. Thomas University.

AVID also provides the opportunity for community building and enjoying engaging activities through “Fun Fridays.” Activities include a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, Festivus, and other team building opportunities.

AVID 12 Festivus Celebration

Martaevion Barron and Charles Adams participate in a Fun Friday team building activity

AVID 11 plays "Snake Chain" in honor of the Chinese New Year - the year of the snake

Intended for participation from grades 7-12, Kemink shared that joining AVID is making a commitment to enhancing one’s education. “When choosing the AVID elective, students should first and foremost make the choice themselves and commit to being a part of something for more than a semester or even a year,” she shared. “AVID students are required to do things that their peers may not be responsible for, but they are setting themselves up for success in and out of the classroom, and preparing themselves for post-secondary education options and career choices after high school.”

AVID 7 at Second Harvest Heartland

The program is built on the belief that students are active partners in their own education. In order to participate, students must apply and potentially interview. Once they are accepted, they remain eligible for the program for their entire BCCS career. 

AVID students and staff will visit classrooms after Spring Break to share applications and answer questions about the program, but students and families can direct any questions to Andrea Kemink at akemink@bccs286.org, or stop by room 216B to learn more.