In the most recent trip was held on October 30, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students got to explore University of California, Riverside (UCR) campus. These trips allow students to better understand their future options by allwing them to explor difference in college campus size, setting, and atmosphere.

For students who find college abstract or overwhelming, AVID field trips provide a chance to experience campus life firsthand. These trips immerse students in a college setting, allowing them to better imagine their futures and understand what college could be like. Each semester, AVID organizes a trip to a variety of campuses, from private institutions like California Baptist University (CBU) and Whittier College, to public universities like UC Riverside (UCR), Cal State Fullerton, and Cal Poly Pomona, as well as local community colleges. 

“I think it’s definitely a fun experience and something to look forward to,” Jonas Ollano (11) said. “Usually there is some sort of tour, so you get to see the different buildings and what they are for; there is an engineering one, a science one, there is a business one.”

These field trips give students a more realistic picture of what college life is like, pushing them to go from feeling out-of-reach to actually envisioning themselves there. By seeing the campuses firsthand, students get a more in-depth understanding of what type of campus environment they might prefer. 

“They get to view the campus and see if they like a big campus, [asking themselves] ‘Do I like a small campus?’ ‘Do I like this campus that is more in the city?’” AVID teacher Christy Koenig said. “Sometimes they will get to see the Recreation Center, the different food options, but usually housing. They will just point them out, because we usually don’t get to go in there and look at the housing.”

Since each AVID field trip is funded by the district’s AVID budget, students can participate free of charge, although they have to cover their own lunch costs. Those field trips help them connect with the idea of attending college. For many, walking around the campus, seeing other students, and getting a sense of the dining hall atmosphere can make college feel less intimidating. Besides getting a feel for the environment, students gain practical information about program specification and degrees that each college might offer.

“[The UCR tour] tells you the different types of majors that they offer, their popular ones, and what they are best known for so you know if they offer the things you want to study,” Jadyn Marquez (11) said. 

All of these components help educate and inspire students in their journey to higher education.

“If you didn’t go and if you’re thinking about going to college or something, it’s good information,” Ollano (11) said.