Step Into the Spotlight!
2025 AVID Student Speaker Contest
Open to elementary, middle, and high school AVID students.
**Submissions Due January 2, 2025**
Celebrating 45 Years of Students Like You!
Share your story, connect with like-minded individuals, and leave an everlasting impact on the education community.
Your voice has the power to shape minds, inspire change, and create a better future. By participating in the AVID Student Speaker Competition, you contribute to a legacy of confident, articulate leaders who advocate for positive change in education.
Ready to Step on Stage and Share Your AVID Story?
Your Story. Your Impact.
At AVID Center, we know that every great change starts with a single voice. That voice could be yours! We’re on the hunt for passionate students like you, ready to share your unique perspective, thoughts, and ideas with the world. This competition isn’t just about speaking; it’s about making your mark, inspiring others, and having a blast while you’re at it! We’re searching for storytellers, visionaries, and future leaders.
Win an Experience of a Lifetime!
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$500 Prize: Win big and kick-start your dreams with our cash prize!
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Letter of Recommendation: Receive a personal recommendation from AVID’s CEO, Thuan Nguyen, to boost your future endeavors!
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Speak on a National Stage: Address thousands of educators, leaders, and peers, and be the voice that echoes nationwide! This is an experience you will take with you throughout your life.
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Paid Travel: Embark on a trip to remember with travel accommodations covered by AVID!
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Luxury Accommodation: Winners will indulge in the comfort of a fancy hotel because they deserve the best!
How to Apply
Participating is easy! Craft your compelling speech by replying to one of the speaker prompts below, submit it on our competition form, and bring your unique perspective to the table. Show us the power of your voice, and you could be the next AVID Student Speaker!
- Write a 500–800 word essay (middle/high school) or create a video submission (elementary) to answer the prompt.
- View past student speeches for inspiration.
- Work with your teachers and peers to gain feedback and refine your essay before submission.
- Encourage students beyond the AVID Elective who have been impacted by AVID Schoolwide to write their story and apply.
Don’t miss this chance to share your voice, inspire others, and embark on a journey that will shape your future!
Lesson plans are available in the Weeks at a Glance. Find the full unit plan or self-guided plan for students to work independently here.
2025 AVID Speaker Contest — Student Prompts
AVID invites elementary, middle, and high school students to tell their AVID stories.
Please Note:
All students must submit the media release form when submitting their contest entry.
Secondary Students
(CHOOSE FROM THE 2 PROMPTS BELOW)
PROMPT 1
Confidence is built through experiencing success multiple times in various ways. For example, the first time you try something new, you might feel like you weren’t successful, but as you practice, your confidence grows. Share with us your journey in discovering your confidence in school and in life. How have your AVID experience, relationships at school, and the skills you developed along the way helped your confidence grow and influence where you are headed in the future?
Tips
Academic Vocabulary
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- Confidence is defined as the state of feeling certain about the truth of something; a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.
- A journey consists of a beginning, middle, and end that leads to an “a-ha!” or an understanding.
- Include a specific time that you had an opportunity to express your confidence.
- Include what activities, strategies, or experiences you had with AVID that helped you get there.
- Include all the details needed for the reader or listener to understand your story.
PROMPT 2
Heroes have their a-ha! moments when they discover their true superpowers. In AVID, we learn many skills and behaviors that help us become successful students. Share a story about how AVID has helped you discover your own special “superpower” or talent that makes you a better student. This could be a new way of organizing your work, a special method for solving problems, or even a new way of thinking that AVID has taught you.
Tips
Academic Vocabulary
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- A superpower is a skill, ability, or talent that you use to advance yourself and others through challenges and obstacles in pursuit of your dreams.
- A support squad is made up of the individuals and groups of teachers, coaches, counselors, friends, family members, and others who support you along your success journey.
- Include specific times where your superpowers were needed, and you were able to activate them.
- Include activities, strategies, and experiences you had with AVID that helped you develop your superpowers.
- Include any special shout-outs to the people and relationships that brought value to you along your journey.
Elementary Students
(ANSWER THE PROMPT BELOW WITH VIDEO SUBMISSION)
PROMPT
Heroes have their a-ha! moments when they discover their true superpowers. In AVID, we learn many skills and behaviors that help us become successful students. Share a story about how AVID has helped you discover your own special “superpower” or talent that makes you a better student. This could be a new way of organizing your work, a special method for solving problems, or even a new way of thinking that AVID has taught you.
Tips
Academic Vocabulary
-
- A superpower is a skill, ability, or talent that you use to advance yourself and others through challenges and obstacles in pursuit of your dreams.
- A support squad is made up of the individuals and groups of teachers, coaches, counselors, friends, family members, and others who support you along your success journey.
- Include specific times where your superpowers were needed, and you were able to activate them.
- Include activities, strategies, and experiences you had with AVID that helped you develop your superpowers.
- Include any special shout-outs to the people and relationships that brought value to you along your journey.