For high school students who are deemed at risk, the aspirations of attending college can be met with challenges that can leave them easily defeated. The necessary skills and dispositions needed to be successful at the college level are purposely provided through the nationally acclaimed program Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). This qualitative study investigated the impact of the program on student perceptions of college readiness through the actual voices of the students as participants in the AVID program, and then as participants in the college/university setting. Particular attention was given to those students characterized as first generation college students. The study also filled a specific need at the high school where the research was conducted to bring the school in line with educational practice with regard to college readiness, especially with the growing population of first generation college students. Grounded theory was utilized through an empirical analysis of qualitative data sources. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted with AVID participants and administrators to determine the impact of the AVID program on students' perceptions of college readiness. These interviews, along with the researcher's reflective journal, allowed for the triangulation of data regarding perceptions of college readiness academically, emotionally, and personally. Recommendations were provided for educators as they focus on preparing students to be college ready as they enter the collegiate setting upon graduation from high school.