AVID Visits Eastern and Gonzaga University

 AVID upperclassmen huddle in front of the Eastern Washington University sign as they begin their campus tour. Photo credit: AVID chaperone. 

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program and class that helps students develop skills that prepare them for college. It provides students with support and guidance for future careers and fosters a strong sense of community. This community is built through bonding events, including team-building activities and college visitations. Every year, AVID visits colleges across Washington. Some of the campuses AVID has visited include the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington University, Gonzaga University, and Eastern Washington University. 

“It’s really motivating to get to go on campus. It helps students decide what they want in a college. We also take part in a tour from their admissions office, and we always meet with admission representatives,” said AVID teacher Malia Renner-Singer. 

“It’s really motivating to get to go on campus. It helps students decide what they want in a college. We also take part in a tour from their admissions office, and we always meet with admission representatives,” said AVID teacher Malia Renner-Singer. 

This year, the AVID upperclassmen visited two colleges in Spokane: Eastern Washington University (EWU) and Gonzaga University. Early Tuesday, November 4, the class departed from the high school and arrived first at EWU, located in Cheney.  

When they arrived, they were greeted at the visitor center by the visitation coordinator. The class was then split into two groups, each accompanied by a tour guide. Students saw classrooms, Showalter Hall, the athletics center, and the library, receiving explanations of each building. They also toured the Science Building, where the guide described various courses offered. To complete the experience, students had lunch on campus. 

“It was good. I liked that we got to see how big the classes were. A lot of them were smaller classes, so you’re able to build relationships with professors. I also liked the activities students can do, like building Legos together and watching movies,” said senior AVID student Amara Flansburg. 

 AVID students pose in front of Gonzaga University— the second stop on their college visitation field trip. Photo credit: AVID chaperone. 

In the afternoon, the class arrived at Gonzaga University, where students were able to observe the differences between a private and a public university. The Gonzaga tour began at the university’s oldest building, College Hall.  

From there, the group visited one of Gonzaga’s on-campus churches before heading to Jepson Hall, home to the business programs. Students looked into classrooms to compare class sizes. They also visited the Integrated Science and Engineering building, one of the newest structures on campus, designed with student input. 

Another stop was the Hemmingson Center, the central hub for student life. Here, students explored the main dining hall and the student involvement center, which houses a wide range of clubs. The group also toured the fitness center, including the gymnasium. 

To end the trip, students attended an admissions presentation followed by a student panel. They were able to ask questions about college life, and current college students shared their experiences. 

The AVID program hopes to continue offering college visits to help students learn about universities they may want to attend. AVID has consistently received support from the Cascade Education Foundation, which has funded the trips through grants since the program began at Cascade in 2015. As prices rise—particularly transportation costs—organizing trips has become more challenging. 

“My concern for the future of the field trips is if we’re going to be able to keep affording them,” said Renner-Singer.