What does it take to navigate a 1,400-acre university campus? For Downey High School’s AVID students, it takes teamwork, critical thinking, and a little bit of “Bronco Pride.”
This past week, our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students traded their classroom desks for the sprawling hills of Cal Poly Pomona. The goal? To get a firsthand look at college life through an adrenaline-pumping scavenger hunt dubbed “The Bronco Quest.”
The Challenge: The Bronco Quest
Split into competitive teams, students were given ten cryptic clues that sent them racing across campus. From the quiet halls of the University Library (“The Beginning of Knowledge”) to the high-energy athletic facilities where champions train, students had to rely on their collective “brains” rather than asking strangers for directions.
To prove they conquered a location, teams had to snap a group selfie at each landmark. Points were awarded for speed, but also for creativity and team spirit—values that sit at the very heart of the AVID mission.
Photo Gallery: Bronco Quest Highlights
We are so proud of the energy and determination our students showed throughout the day.
Exploring the Future
The hunt wasn’t just about the competition; it was about discovery. Students explored:
- The Scientist’s Playground & Engineer’s Domain: Seeing where innovation happens in real-time.
- The Heart of Student Life: Getting a taste of the social atmosphere and dining hubs.
- Where Leaders Rise: Visiting student government centers to see how voices are heard on campus.
Why AVID? More Than Just a Field Trip
While the scavenger hunt was the highlight of the day, the trip served a much larger purpose. AVID is designed to bridge the gap between high school and higher education, and there is no better way to do that than by stepping foot on a university campus.
Why should you join AVID?
- College Readiness: We don’t just talk about college; we visit them. Trips like the Cal Poly Pomona tour help students visualize themselves as future university students.
- A Built-in Support System: AVID creates a “family” atmosphere. As seen during the Bronco Quest, our students learn to work together, solve problems, and support one another’s academic goals.
- Success Skills: From Cornell notes to collaborative inquiry, AVID equips students with the organizational tools they need to tackle honors and AP courses with confidence.
Are you ready to start your own quest toward college success? Talk to your counselor today ab