FORT BEND ISD (September 11, 2025) – Carlos Soto enrolled in Elkins High School’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) elective because, as a future first-generation college graduate, he wanted to learn the best strategies to get into college and succeed once there.
“AVID played a huge role in shaping my academic and personal goals,” Soto said. “It taught me how to get involved in school and community service while still balancing and prioritizing academics. It pushed me to be self-sufficient, step out of my comfort zone and become a productive citizen. AVID laid the foundation for how I operate day-to-day.”
The AVID elective helps students build essential skills in organization, writing and critical thinking while preparing them for advanced coursework. Weekly tutorials with trained tutors deepen their understanding of challenging subjects. Students also explore college and career pathways, set goals and plan for the future, including attending college field trips throughout their AVID journey.
As part of a broader schoolwide approach, the AVID elective empowers students to take ownership of their learning and thrive in rigorous academic environments.
Today, Soto teaches AVID and coaches at Hightower High School.
He was inspired to become a teacher by his own AVID instructor and football coach, Willie Yarber, and believes his experience as a former AVID student makes him a better educator.
“I have first-hand experience keeping up with my classes — and I did it the ‘old-school’ way, with the big 5-Star binder that I carried everywhere, even into college,” Soto said.
Now everything is digital, so it’s easier for his students to stay organized and manage their schedules.
“Being a former AVID student, I understand my job isn’t to force students into a one-size-fits-all system for organizing, prioritizing or studying,” he said. “My job is to help them discover their own successful strategies.”
There are currently 6,335 students enrolled in FBISD’s AVID elective across 11 high schools and 15 middle schools in grades 6 – 12.
FBISD’s AVID Program applications will open in November.
About AVID Day
September 12 is AVID Day, a national celebration recognizing the transformative impact of the program, which has empowered students for 45 years. It honors the dedication of AVID educators, students, schools and districts who work every day to close opportunity gaps and prepare students for college, careers and life.
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