The 11th grade AVID Elective begins the year with cultivating a growth mindset and setting personal improvement goals, which are critical for self-development. The course then transitions into enhancing critical reading skills, specifically aimed at analyzing college essays, a skill unique to upper-level high school students preparing for college applications. The course also emphasizes timed writing skills, a crucial ability for standardized tests and college exams. Juniors research colleges for academic fit, look for scholarship opportunities, and engage in a financial literacy course focused on financing higher education, consumer skills, and credit and debt. AVID III students apply research and source integration skills in a practical service-learning project, promoting community engagement and experiential learning. Lastly, the course initiates the college application process through the creation of a compelling college entrance essay, a key skill for students at this juncture in their academic journey.