AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It's a college readiness system that prepares students in kindergarten through 12th grade for college eligibility and success. Some colleges and universities have also implemented AVID to help their students. Since it began in 1980 in California, AVID has been adopted by more than 4,800 schools and 41 institutions of higher education in 45 states and 16 countries, providing training for more than 30,000 educators each year and making a difference in the lives of more than 700,000 students.

AVID is for all students but targets those in the academic middle and who are usually under-served. It's systematic approach is designed to support students and educators as they increase school-wide/district-wide learning and performance. AVID is not a remedial, niche or college outreach program. It is not a free ride nor is it a study hall. Students must learn and apply the skills they are taught in their AVID elective class as well as do the academically rigorous work required.