Pedro Morales, a Key West High School senior, has received a scholarship through the Dell Scholar Program from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
Morales will receive $20,000 over the course of his four years in college, as well as a Dell computer, $2,000 in textbook credits and personal support to navigate academic, emotional and financial challenges through college.
Morales is one of 500 students to be selected nationally for this program through his grit, potential and ambition to get to college, said his teacher Matt Poffenberger.
The scholarship program is open to students in selective college prep courses approved by the foundation.
Morales is part of the Monroe County School District’s AVID program.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a class as well as a school-wide method of teaching.
“AVID fosters a safe and open culture with high expectations for teachers and students and collaboration in classrooms,” states the school district website. “In AVID elective classes, students receive additional academic support that will help them succeed in their courses, utilizing organization strategies, study skills, communication, self-advocacy and collaborative strategies. AVID-trained teachers provide specific classroom activities, teaching practices and academic behaviors to improve engagement and success for all students to help them become college and career ready. Each school has a cohort of teachers that have been AVID trained and Key Largo School is an AVID National Demonstration School.”
