More than 50 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, at Athens Middle School, hosted the annual AVID College Fair on Friday, Jan. 17, showcasing their aspirations and dedication to future college and career success.

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationwide program dedicated to fostering college and career readiness while promoting student achievement.

Each AVID student at Athens Middle School selected a college or university that they dream of attending one day and conducted in-depth research on information, such as majors, tuition, housing, location, scholarships, campus life and more. Students shared all of the information that they gathered in their informational displays with parents, teachers and peers actively engaging in the presentations.

Melissa Moore, AMS’s AVID teacher, emphasized the importance of the event, “The mission of AVID is to close the opportunity gap by preparing our students for college and readiness and success in a global society. Our students have worked incredibly hard to learn more about these colleges and we are thrilled to have over 40 schools represented today. We are so proud of their efforts as they embark on their college and career journey.”

The AVID College Fair also featured visits from several college recruiters, including Athens State University, Calhoun Community College, the University of North Alabama, the University of Alabama Huntsville and Alabama A&M University. The college representatives used the time to share more about their college’s admission process and available opportunities.

Through AVID, students develop essential skills such as studying, writing, collaboration and critical thinking, preparing them to excel as 21st-century global citizens. Athens City Schools implemented AVID in 2015. It is now co-curricular at Athens Intermediate School and offered as an elective at both Athens Middle School and Athens High School.

For several years now, the AVID College Fair has inspired our students to dream big while empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their lofty goals in future.

“The College Fair is such an exciting experience for our students,” Cameron Harris, another AMS AVID teacher, said. “I love seeing our students get excited as they learn about different schools and their offerings. Many will go home and share what they learned with their families.” Harris went on to say, “One parent told me how motivated their student is about college now and how he understands the importance of taking school seriously so that he can attend the school of his dreams.”