Four Charles Sturt University (CSU) Middle School education degree students will travel with three Wodonga Middle School teachers to the United States next week to attend the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Summer Institute. Jane Hill, Caralea Glen, Courtney Mitchell, and Mandy Walker will participate in the latest professional development with middle and high school teachers from the United States when they attend the program in Sacramento, California. The students will also meet local middle school teachers, students and families involved in the AVID program. CSU middle school lecturer Dr William DeJean said this was an opportunity for pre-service teachers to acquire professional insights into how to increase academic performance, engagement, and eventually university enrolment for middle school students.