Student Success Stories
George Casarez: Leading the Way for Generational Healing Via Education
Single father to two teenage girls. Instructional aid in the Rio School District. Re-entry student and scholarship recipient at Ventura College set to graduate by 2025.
George Casarez is all of this and more—and his life is forever enriched thanks to the Ventura College Foundation.
Read MoreOctavius Licon: Dancing into a New Era
Octavius Licon has seen, been, done, and felt quite a bit in his thirty years. From a foster child to a homeless adult alcoholic to a construction worker to a decorated re-entry student at Ventura College, Octavius’ path has danced and darted around like one of his original performance compositions.
Read MoreXavier Terminello: Hitting Their Stride Thanks to VCF
Xavier Terminello is grateful for the many memories, friends, and strides they have made in their two years at Ventura College. But one message stands out above all others to the versatile, energetic, and talented 19-year-old Economics and Psychology major.
Read MoreAnna Heaton: Veteran Scholarship
Anna Heaton came to the United States from Russia at the tender age of five. When she entered kindergarten, she didn’t speak a single word of English.
Read MoreErick Pina: Phoenix Scholarship
Erick Pina doesn’t have to think back too long ago to remember his darkest days.
“Just a few years ago, I had no direction and felt like I had no purpose,” remembers Erick.
Read MoreDaisy Castillo: Textbook Support Spotlight
Daisy Castillo has held a lot of responsibilities in just 19 years. A first-generation college student at Ventura College, Daisy grew up in a low-income, single-parent household in Santa Paula.
Read MoreEdward Ramirez: VC Promise Spotlight
Growing up in Santa Paula, Edward Ramirez recalls his parents always emphasizing the power of education.
Read MoreChristina Montrose: Phoenix Scholarship
Christina Montrose has overcome many challenges in her life. She grew up in a household with an alcoholic father who insisted college was a waste of time and money.
Read MoreElijah Walker: STEM Scholarship
Elijah Walker knows exactly what he wants to do. Where he wants to go. And who he wants to take with him. You might say his dreams and goals are pretty far out.
Read MoreVanessa Velasquez: Marketplace Profile
Vanessa Velazquez feels she owes a lot to Ventura College – as well as the Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace.
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