Modesto High School has earned national recognition as one of just 45 schools across the country honored by the AVID Center as an exemplary AVID school. The award marks a milestone achievement during the 45th anniversary of the Advancement Via Individual Determination program (AVID).
The recognition reflects decades of Modesto High’s commitment to academic rigor, equity, and student success. It also honors Sue Blickenstaff, AVID coordinator at Modesto High, who retired this year after 31 years with Modesto City Schools — 23 of them at Modesto High.
“This honor means so much because it represents the risks we took and the courage it took to build this program from the ground up,” Blickenstaff said. “AVID is always evolving to meet our students’ needs. At its core, it’s about helping students help themselves.”
Founded in 1980 and rooted in the educational philosophy of Mary Catherine Swanson, AVID aims to close the achievement gap by equipping students, particularly those underrepresented in higher education, with the tools to succeed. The program emphasizes writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading (WICOR) to prepare students for college and careers.
Nationwide, AVID serves more than two million students in over 7,700 schools. According to recent data, 84 percent of AVID students who enroll in college persist into their second year, outperforming the national average of 76.5 percent, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
At Modesto High, about 460 students participate in AVID. Nearly every teacher — 98 percent — has been trained in AVID strategies, which are integrated into both general and special education classrooms. The program is offered districtwide from elementary through high school.
Blickenstaff began teaching AVID in 2003 at Hanshaw Middle School and served as coordinator at Modesto High since 2017.
“AVID didn’t just make me a better teacher — it made me see the power and potential of young people,” she said. “The struggle is real and often worthy.”
The recognition also highlights the contributions of AVID students and tutors, many of whom were once in the program themselves.
Julissa Prado, a first-generation college student, now serves as an AVID tutor while taking college classes.
“AVID taught me responsibility, how to organize and how to ask for help,” Prado said. “As someone who didn’t have a lot of academic support growing up, the AVID tutors were like mentors to me. Now I get to be that for someone else.”
Angela Ramirez, another AVID alumna-turned-tutor, recalled the challenges she faced early on.
“I used to be scared to talk to teachers. Tutoring gave me confidence, and now I can help students like me thrive.”
For tutor Belen Solis, the reward is more than academic.
“AVID is like a family away from home that you get to choose,” she said. “Watching students grow is everything.”
As Blickenstaff passed the baton to incoming coordinator Fred Smith, she left with a powerful message.
“Our work takes us away from our families. What you do better be worth your time,” she said. “And this is worth it. One thousand percent.”