Successful College Prep Program Expanded to Five Schools in Los Angeles County for 2010

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Citi Foundation has provided a $22,000 grant that will support expansion of the successful Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program this month to five low-performing schools in Los Angeles County.

With Citi Foundation's grant, the schools, located in high-need, low-income areas, will be able to participate in AVID, an acclaimed national college prep program that spurs students with potential to improve their academics and continue on to higher education.  

A total of 700 students are expected to take part in AVID programs at the five campuses: Crenshaw High School and Gompers Middle School in Los Angeles; Enterprise Middle School in Compton; Garvey Intermediate School in Rosemead; and Warren Lane Elementary School in Inglewood.  

The schools were selected based on the need to reach a diversity of students, particularly those from underserved communities. AVID program activities focus on students who are academically underperforming but who show great potential to improve, graduate and go on to succeed at four-year colleges.

The program expansion will be managed by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), based in Downey, which operates the nation's largest AVID system, serving more than 12,000 students at 200 middle and high schools countywide. The Los Angeles County Education Foundation will administer the grant. Citi Foundation has been providing funding support to the LACOE-AVID program since 2006.

Laurie Wiebold, director of LACOE-AVID, said the grant provides a special opportunity for the schools to help more of their students continue on to higher education. "I'm thrilled that we can provide these schools with an innovative program that teaches hard work and offers motivation so that students can succeed," she said.

"We are proud to support the Los Angeles County Education Foundation as it expands AVID to help more kids achieve the dream of going to college," said Cheryl Evans, Citi Community Relations Western Regional Director. "A college education is a crucial first step to a successful career and a rewarding life. Through AVID, even more kids in Los Angeles County will have an opportunity to participate in this program, which will enhance their chance to succeed at a four-year college."

The opportunity to attend college has created a legacy of many former AVID students who keep tabs on and support local AVID programs, including Peter Maes, a financial services professional from El Segundo.  

"AVID has truly changed my life," said Maes, who regularly visits AVID classrooms as a guest speaker. "I was transformed from a C-average student into the top 10 percent of my class and accepted into my dream college, USC."

About LACOE:

LACOE is a public agency that provides programs and services to the 80 public school districts in Los Angeles County. The AVID is program is operated through LACOE's Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services.

About Citi:

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 140 countries. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.

About the Citi Foundation:

The Citi Foundation is committed to the economic empowerment of individuals and families, particularly those in need, in the communities where we work so that they can improve their standard of living. Globally, the Citi Foundation targets its strategic giving on its priority focus areas: Microfinance and Microenterprise, Small and Growing Businesses, Education, and Financial Education and Asset Building. In the United States and Canada, the Citi Foundation also supports Community Development programs. The Citi Foundation works with its partners in Microfinance and Microenterprise, Small and Growing Businesses, and Community Development to support environmental programs and innovations. Additional information can be found at www.citifoundation.com.

About the Los Angeles County Education Foundation:

LACEF provides and supports high quality and innovative programs for children and youth, with a focus on serving those who are most in need.  LACEF is also a fiscal sponsor for projects of the Los Angeles County Office of Education and selected school districts.  These projects include special events, recognition and scholarships, activities that promote student growth and achievement, and construction.

SOURCE Citi Foundation