12/8/2025
For nearly a decade—beginning around 2017—Coastal Encinitas Rotary has proudly supported San Dieguito Academy’s long-running AVID College Tour, a program now in its 27th year of helping first-generation and college-bound students envision their higher-education future.
This year, the Club contributed $1,500 toward the two-day tour and added a new personal touch: gift bags for all 52 participating students, filled with travel essentials to make the journey more comfortable. The effort was coordinated by Youth Chairwoman Marti Rosenberg, who leads the club’s involvement with the AVID program each year.
The program is led by AVID Site Coordinator and English Co-Department Chair Ruth Magnuson of San Dieguito High School Academy, who oversees both the AVID curriculum and the annual college tour. Under this leadership, the tour has become a cornerstone of college readiness for students, particularly those who may be the first in their families to consider higher education.
This year’s itinerary included visits to UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Channel Islands, Cal State Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University, Cal State Fullerton, and UC Irvine. At several campuses, SDA alumni currently enrolled at those universities provided firsthand guided tours, giving students an inside look at academic life.
Students also attended a comprehensive admissions and financial aid presentation at Cal State Channel Islands, followed by lunch at the university’s all-you-can-eat dining hall—a favorite moment for many. The group later explored Loyola Marymount University during its vibrant parent and guardian weekend.
Funding for the tour—typically running between $8,000 and $10,000—comes from student fundraising and community donations. Rotary’s ongoing support allows more students to participate, often at no cost, ensuring the experience remains accessible for families who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
Through the partnership of dedicated educators, engaged alumni, and community organizations like Coastal Encinitas Rotary, the AVID College Tour continues to spark possibility, confidence, and long-term aspiration in SDA students.
