Martinsville City Public Schools has released new 2018-2019 data on the success of last year’s graduating class of students participating in the district’s AVID program—a nationally-recognized program that helps student navigate the college application process, and build the academic and soft skills needed to succeed in college and the workforce of the future.
Last year, 84 percent of Martinsville City Public Schools seniors participating in AVID completed a FAFSA application, compared to the national rate of 61 percent. Likewise, 46 percent of AVID students applied to a four- year college and 46 percent were accepted. Nationally, 81 percent of high school students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree yet less than 50 percent actually enroll at a four-year university.
Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley, Jr., said, “We are proud to be a part of the AVID team and member of the superintendent’s collaborative national executive committee. AVID strategies have played a major role in the accreditation of our schools.”
Research shows that applying for financial aid is one of the best predictors of whether a student will enroll in college. Through the AVID program, the district hosts regular FAFSA application nights and provides dedicated in-school time for students to work with teachers and staff to complete their applications, providing them with better insight into the financial resources available to them.
“We congratulate Martinsville City Public Schools for its demonstrated commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education. The milestones announced today reflect the Martinsville City Public Schools holistic approach to college readiness—starting with building a culture of high-expectations among teachers and students, and including the delivery of rigorous, student-centric instruction that prepares them for college-level work,” Dr. Sandy Husk, former school superintendent and CEO of AVID, said. “We are proud to be part of Martinsville City Public Schools work to ensure all students can reach their full potential.”
Martinsville City Public Schools joins over 7,000 K-12 schools and districts across 47 states that partner with AVID to build a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms.
