MADISON, Wis. -- A large donation and unique partnership are combining to help more Madison students prepare for a college education.

On Monday, the Madison School District announced that it would partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County to help make college a reality for every student.

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elective course that students at East High School were able to take this past school year. The course helps improve their study skills, time management and writing skills in order to prepare them for college.

The school district now plans to merge the AVID program with a similar program that the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County offers which is, Teens of Promise, so every student will have access to it.

"This really is an innovative public-private partnership," said Boys and Girls Club President Mary Burke. "It builds on the strengths of our public school system, but brings the resources, the private resources that can help accomplish what otherwise may not have happened."

Organizers said the merge is possible thanks to a $1.5 million donation from the Burke Foundation.

"What we decided was that focus was to make sure more kids in Dane County not only were prepared but had the opportunities to go to college," said Mary Burke.

So far, $2.6 million has been raised for the program.

That money will cover the cost of tutoring, college visits and supplies for half of the next five years.

Officials said they hope to raise another $2.5 million.

The AVID program will expand to all Madison high schools by fall. The program will start with 100 students and add 100 more very year.

The goal is to have 800 students enrolled in the program within the next 10 years.