AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an organization that supports students who you may say are on the margins or on the periphery; not college ready, perhaps, but on the cusp.

The program uses high-engagement strategies to make it easier for teachers to help these students progress, as well as help teach some life skills.

With help from a grant, WSU Tri-Cities has partnered with AVID for a little more than five years now, and Sara Petersen, a clinical assistant professor of special education said it has been very beneficial. We sat down with Sara and talked to her about the program, as well as something called Socratic mentoring.