“[They] . . . saw me ‘here’ before I could even imagine it.” — Tanya Boucicaut, AVID alumna and AVID Center employee reflecting on her AVID educators.
The Impact of AVID on College and Career Success
Like Tanya, over one million AVID Elective high school graduates are now navigating their paths through college, career, and life—her story of being recognized and encouraged to unlock her potential mirrors the experiences of countless AVID students. In partnership with educators and school systems, AVID provides vital social and academic support to students, particularly those historically underserved and underrepresented in higher education. AVID’s mission is clear: to prepare every student for success in college and career, a commitment that is upheld every day in thousands of schools across the country. As we cultivate this growing network of AVID alums, how can we ensure they remain connected and supported and continue to inspire new generations of AVID students?
Launch of AVID Alumni Services
In spring 2023, AVID launched AVID Alumni Services, a pivotal initiative that engages alums, their families, and the broader support network to embody its mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. AVID aims to build lasting relationships with alums, educators, tutors, and mentors through Alumni Services resources, creating a supportive community that champions each alum’s journey.
A crucial first step in this initiative is identifying AVID alums who have graduated from AVID sites since 1983 and providing them opportunities to connect and share their stories. For instance, Steven Mendoza, a Yale University graduate and current executive director at JPMorgan Chase, sought out AVID to give back after experiencing cultural shock as a first-generation college student. “I kept reiterating to myself, you belong here, you earned your spot,” he reflects, crediting AVID not only with preparing him academically but also with instilling the perseverance and grit needed to succeed at Yale. Currently, over 17,000 AVID alums are thriving in their communities nationwide.
AVID Alumnus Steven Mendoza
Executive Director – Product Solutions Director, JPMorgan Chase
Yet, this is just the beginning. Hundreds of thousands more AVID alums stand to benefit from a network that emphasizes mutual support and AVID’s commitment to their ongoing development.
Building a Supportive Network
The growth of the AVID alum network is about more than numbers; it’s about fostering meaningful connections and providing a range of valuable services:
- K–12 Engagement: Alums can give back by sharing their experiences, mentoring, and tutoring current AVID students. These interactions inspire younger students and allow alums to reconnect with their roots.
- Higher Education Support: AVID facilitates networking and mentorship for alums currently in college, helping them connect with fellow alums and professionals to enhance their academic and personal growth.
- Career Development: Alums focused on career advancement benefit from networking opportunities and tailored support to help them succeed professionally.
AVID alums Amber (right) and her brother Austin (center) with their AVID teacher, Elizabeth Brown (left)
Amber Hamill, an AVID alumna and student at the University of Texas – Arlington, states, “AVID is more than academics; it’s a community, it’s work-life balance.” Amber herself aspires to be a teacher in her home district, Richardson Independent School District in Texas, highlighting the desire among alums to give back to their communities.
Exciting New Initiatives
To further support AVID alums, we are thrilled to announce several new initiatives:
- New Teacher Fellowship Program: This program partners with districts and education colleges to better prepare AVID alums in the final stages of their teaching degrees. Recognizing the ongoing teacher shortage, AVID understands that well-trained teachers are happier, more effective, and more likely to stay in the profession longer.
- AVIDly Adulting Podcast: Launching in December 2025, this podcast will guide career-focused alums through their first jobs while emphasizing the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance. These discussions aim to inspire alums and the communities and educators around them.
- Digital Alum Platform: We are developing a digital platform that will enable AVID students to explore alumni experiences, aiding them in making informed decisions about their college and career paths.
- Alum Book: As AVID celebrates its 45th year of transforming students’ lives, it is producing a book to capture alum experiences as a teaching tool, illustrating the real-life applications of AVID principles in the classroom.
AVID employs over 20 alums, including Tanya, who actively contribute to the organization and serve as role models for the next generation. By spreading the word and helping to identify more AVID alums, we can continue to grow our network and create pathways for alums to inspire, give back, and connect with future generations.
Join the AVID Alumni Family
If you know an AVID alum, encourage them to join the AVID alum family through the AVID Community of Champions. Together, we can build a supportive and impactful network.
For more information about AVID Alumni Services and how you can get involved, visit our website.
As AVID celebrates its 45th year of changing lives, we remain committed to supporting our alums as they navigate their paths to success. Join us in our mission to empower every AVID alum to realize their potential and contribute to their communities.
For inquiries, contact Dr. Aliber Lozano, Vice President, Alumni Services.
