As graduation caps flew through the air this June, El Monte Union High School District honored the Class of 2025 for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service. At the heart of this achievement lies a powerful driver of student success: the district’s AVID program, which continues to shape futures by building a strong bridge from college to career.
AVID—Advancement Via Individual Determination—equips students with the tools, mindset, and support to navigate higher education and enter the workforce with purpose. Throughout the district, AVID classrooms emphasize academic rigor, organization, and critical thinking. In schools like Mountain View High School in El Monte, AVID helps students map out long-term goals, apply to colleges, and build the confidence to pursue them.
Preparing Students for What’s Next
College to career success doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of deliberate planning, skill development, and community support. Through AVID, students explore college options, understand admissions processes, and complete financial aid applications with guidance. Students also develop public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills—all critical to thriving beyond graduation.
Dual enrollment programs, where students can earn college credit while in high school, are another key element. When paired with AVID’s structure and support, dual enrollment gives students a jump start on their postsecondary journey. These experiences help them graduate not just with diplomas, but with a vision for their futures and practical steps to achieve them.
Family, Staff, and Community Support
This success is not the work of students alone. Parent volunteers and scholarship donors play a vital role in sustaining AVID’s impact. Their time and generosity extend the reach of classroom learning and help students access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
This year, the district also celebrated Belinda Mora of Mountain View High School as the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year, highlighting the essential role of staff behind the scenes. Classified employees like Mora support student learning and well-being every day—whether through administrative coordination, student services, or campus operations.
A Holistic Approach to Student Growth
As the district recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month, the focus on student well-being remains front and center. AVID is part of a broader strategy that includes mental health supports, career counseling, and mentorship. These services ensure students are not only prepared academically but are also emotionally and socially ready for life after high school.
The Class of 2025 leaves behind more than memories. They leave a model of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity, and when programs like AVID create clear pathways from college to career.
To learn more about how El Monte Union is supporting student success, visit https://buff.ly/3CT4hA6.
