By: Kendall David, Executive Director of Community Engagement
Goose Creek CISD continues to shine on the national stage through the power and impact of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. This year has been a landmark one for the district, filled with achievements that highlight how AVID transforms lives and builds pathways to college and career success for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
At the heart of AVID is the mission to support students who are often in the “academic middle”—those who are capable but may not always receive the push or resources needed to pursue postsecondary education. AVID students are typically first-generation college-goers, low-income households, or face other at-risk factors. Through rigorous academic support, high expectations, and a culture of college readiness, AVID equips them with the tools to not only dream but achieve big.
Proven Success
The 2024 AVID senior class in Goose Creek CISD speaks volumes about the program’s impact. Comprising just 9% of the graduating class, these 154 dedicated students—who remained in the AVID elective for all four years of high school—achieved astounding success:
458 university acceptance letters earned collectively
100% of students applied to college
Of the $20 million in scholarships awarded districtwide in 2024, AVID students earned $7.1 million, representing 35% of all scholarship dollars.
These statistics are more than just numbers—they reflect transformed lives and the beginning of generational change.
National Recognition for Our Schools
Goose Creek Memorial High School has proudly held the AVID National Demonstration School title since 2019, serving as a beacon of excellence. This year, the district saw two more schools added to the national AVID spotlight:
IMPACT Early College High School became the first Early College High School in the nation to earn AVID National Demonstration School status. Principal Laura Reyes credits the school’s culture: “We believe in our students, and we support them. We are breaking barriers and creating generational change.”
E.F. Green Junior School also earned this prestigious recognition, joining an elite group of schools that exemplify AVID’s mission. Dr. Alicia Babin, principal of E.F. Green, emphasized, “Everything matters here. We are intentional in giving our students the best possible education in every single classroom.”
These distinctions don’t just mark individual school success—they signal the strength of a districtwide commitment to equity and excellence. Sally Wagner, AVID Regional Director, summed it up best during her visit to IMPACT: “You are changing the lives of students in Goose Creek CISD. This campus is magic.”
Superintendent Collaborative
Goose Creek CISD was proud to host the AVID Superintendent Collaborative, welcoming educational leaders from across the Greater Houston Area. The event served as a platform for superintendents to learn from our district’s success with the AVID system, while also sharing their own strategies and commitments to advancing student achievement through AVID.
“We are honored to bring together such a passionate group of leaders who are dedicated to transforming student outcomes,” said Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Randal O’Brien. “AVID is more than a program — it’s a mindset that empowers both educators and students. Our continued collaboration ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed.”
Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time
From middle schoolers like E.F. Green’s AVID Ambassador Hunter Gonzales—who says, “My grades skyrocketed after joining AVID”—to high schoolers like Kayla Grant at IMPACT, who credits focused note-taking with helping her survive Calculus and prepare for college, AVID is instilling lifelong learning strategies that empower students to take charge of their futures.
As the district continues to expand AVID and celebrate its success, the goal remains clear: To close opportunity gaps and ensure every student—regardless of background—has the support and skills to thrive in college and beyond.
Goose Creek CISD is proud to lead the way. And thanks to AVID, the future has never looked brighter.
