Summer may be a break from the classroom, but learning continued for Downey Unified’s middle school AVID students through a series of exciting college visits designed to inspire future success.
Throughout June and early July, students visited three local colleges and universities, allowing them to experience campus life firsthand and begin envisioning themselves as future college students.
The summer kicked off with a visit to California State University, Los Angeles, where students explored the campus, learned about college life, and discovered the many opportunities available through higher education. The experience encouraged students to start thinking about their own educational goals and the possibilities that await them after high school.
The following week, students traveled to Biola University for a campus tour led by current college students. Hearing directly from student ambassadors gave participants an authentic look at daily life on campus, from academics and student organizations to residence halls and campus traditions. It was an engaging experience that helped students better understand what college can offer.
The final stop of the summer college tour took students to Cerritos College, where they learned about the many pathways available through community college. The visit highlighted how two-year colleges can serve as an affordable and accessible route to earning a degree, transferring to a university, or preparing for a career.
These experiences are an important part of the AVID program, which helps students build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed for college and career success. By stepping onto college campuses and interacting with college students, participants saw that higher education is an achievable goal.
A special thank you goes to Mr. Arredondo and Ms. Bovey for their dedication and continued support of the AVID college classes and summer field trips. Their enthusiasm and commitment helped create meaningful experiences that will inspire students long after summer ends.
At Downey Unified, opportunities to learn, grow, and dream big don’t stop when the school year ends. Through programs like AVID, students continue exploring their futures all summer long.
