Newberg High School, Chehalem Valley Middle School and Mountain View Middle School received word they are recipients of a Nike School Innovation Fund (NSIF) Grant to accelerate college and career readiness.

Newberg schools will use the funds to establish an AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) program in grades 6 – 12.  AVID provides rigorous instruction and programming to increase the number of students who graduate on time and prepare students to be successful in high school and beyond.

Newberg High School is one of 50 schools selected for participation based on school readiness and support from both school and district leadership. Participating schools will receive:

• Grants to support rigorous instruction and programming for all students with coaching and support from AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) and other Nike School Innovation Fund consultants or programs
• Grants to support best practice training at a professional development Summer Institute for at least eight teachers, counselors and principals
•  School leadership training
• Program materials and support from Nike leaders in partnership with the Oregon-based EPIC (Educational Policy Improvement Center)

Through a unique partnership between the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, 30 middle schools will also receive support to implement or expand AVID school wide. Chehalem Valley and Mountain View Middle Schools are among the middle schools that will participate in the Nike School Innovation Fund programs and events.

"This will be such a tremendous opportunity for so many of our students," said Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. "The fact that we have been grant supported at all three schools means we can build a solid 6-12 aligned program to better serve our students.  Thank you to Karen Pugsley, Wayne Strong,  Mark Risen and Stafford Boyd for working hard to make this a reality for the students of Newberg."