May 20, 2008

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid met today with 30 graduating seniors from Spring Valley High School of Las Vegas.  The students are part of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, a support effort geared in part toward students who would be the first in their family to obtain a college degree.  The students are in Washington to learn about government and to tour colleges.  

"We must make college an affordable option for every Nevada student and AVID gives these young people the tools they need to succeed in education beyond high school,” Reid said.  “I commend them for taking an interest in their government and in higher education.”

Nationwide, 98 percent of AVID participants go on to enroll in a college or university. Close to 100 SVHS students are enrolled in the AVID program.