Sherman Earns RIMS AVID Impact Award for Transforming Academic Culture

Sherman Indian High School is celebrating a major milestone as its AVID program was recognized with a RIMS AVID Impact Award for "Transforming Academic Culture." Sherman, representing the Bureau of Indian Education, was one of only eight schools selected for the honor from among 248 campuses across four counties in California.

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, was introduced at Sherman during the 2017-2018 school year and has since become essential to preparing students for college and career success. Over the past nine years, more than 100 students have participated in the program and gone on to pursue postsecondary pathways.

The award recognizes the program's impact, including hundreds of college acceptances, more than $1 million in financial aid and scholarship offers, and increased higher education attendance and completion rates. AVID students have gained the support, confidence, and skills needed to pursue their goals while developing as future leaders in their Native communities.

Recent results show that 95% of AVID graduates have enrolled in or completed four-year universities, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in helping students achieve success beyond high school.

The recognition also highlights the vision and dedication of AVID co-coordinators Richard Priebe and Dawnes Sims-Stevenson, whose leadership helped establish and grow the program. As Sherman approaches the midpoint of its tenth year of AVID implementation, the Impact Award serves as a testament to the lasting difference the program continues to make in the lives of students and future generations.