Fast forward to the end of his freshman year: Demitrius is making As and Bs in his classes. He speaks confidently about going to college—specifically to Washington State University Vancouver to study business. He has figured out the means as well. He has signed up for the College Bound Scholarship program, which guarantees college tuition.

What made the difference? For Demitrius and others like him, the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program was a lifeline. Last year, Demitruis was in the first AVID class offered at Hudson’s Bay High School. He learned study skills, how to research and take notes, and how to focus on what’s important. The third-period elective class was led by teacher Lacey Fowler. Tutors also came into the class to lead tutorials. In table discussions, students focused on what they were learning in class.

Near the end of the school year, KGW TV came in to cover the story. A producer from Portland had heard of this program in Vancouver that was getting great results. At one table, students were solving a difficult problem posed in Integrated Math class. At another table, students were debating the differences among amoeba, bacteria and cells for a science class. A third group was dissecting a play from English Literature. The class had the feel of college study groups—students focused, engaged, and having fun learning.

It wasn’t always like this, admitted Fowler. “They came in wild and crazy. In the tutorials, it was hard to get them focused,” she said. “Midway through the year, I saw a real change. Now it’s incredible to watch them. Their grades are just awesome. They have done so well.”

Students were selected for the AVID program because they were not performing up to their potential. These were kids in the middle, slipping through the cracks. By the end of their freshman year, the students in AVID had grade points well above the average freshman and nearly on par with students taking honors courses.

Fowler attributes the success of AVID to the structure, which teaches students the skills they need while incorporating techniques into studies for their other classes. “Also, just having the support of the AVID family, all who are headed in the same direction,” added Fowler.

AVID began as a pilot program two years ago with one 7th-grade class at McLoughlin Middle School. Due to its success, 16 classes now are offered at five Vancouver schools—Hudson’s Bay and Fort Vancouver high schools, and McLoughlin, Gaiser, and Jason Lee middle schools. A total of 450 students in grades 7 through 10 currently participate in AVID.

AVID helps prepare students for college, work and life. National statistics show that AVID students complete university entrance requirements at a much higher rate than their non-AVID peers (86.7% versus 36%). AVID students also are more likely to finish college.

The statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re kids like Demitrius. He will be the first in his family to finish high school and go to college. “My mom and dad dropped out of high school. They are really proud of me,” he says with a smile. “And so is my brother.”