COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk
DATE: September 16, 2025
SUBJECT: Proclamation – AVID Day - September 12, 2025
The City Council will recognize September 1 2, 2025, as “AVID Day” in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program has been a cornerstone in education for 45 years, committed to closing opportunity gaps and preparing students for college, careers, and life. In Santa Maria, AVID has partnered with local schools for more than 25 years, serving thousands of students across both the Santa Maria -Bonita and Santa Maria Joint Union High School Districts.
The program has had a profound impact on educational equity in t he community, with about 81 percent of high school AVID Elective students projected to be the first in their families to graduate from a four -year university. Through its proven approach emphasizing Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Readin g (WICOR), AVID equips students with the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.
This success is fueled by the dedication of hundreds of local educators who have undergone AVID professional development, fostering a strong college -going culture in Santa Maria schools. The results speak for themselves : 95 percent of the most recent graduating AVID class were accepted to four -year universities, collectively earning thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants.
Beyond academics, AVID nurtures f uture leaders and engaged citizens, ensuring that Santa Maria’s youth are prepared to contribute to the City’s prosperity, innovation, and civic life for generations to come.
Proclamation Requested by: Todd Sanders – Santa Maria Bonita School District
Attachment(s): Proclamation