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Ventura College Foundation Scholarship Program

More than 400 scholarships are available to Ventura College students who are ready and able to benefit from the financial support, via the single Ventura College Foundation Scholarship Application. Our scholarships are designed to enable and encourage students to achieve their goals.

To be considered for any Ventura College Foundation Scholarship, including a Phoenix Scholarship, apply via our Scholarship Application.

  • Log into MyVCCCD Student Portal
  • Under the "Tools" menu on the left side, click on "Financial Aid"
  • Click on "Scholarships - VC"
  • Locate and complete the online application prior to the deadline to be considered.

Important Scholarship Dates

Paramedic Scholarship Application

Opens: SEPT 1, 2023
Closes: NOV 28, 2023 at 5PM (PST)

General Scholarship Application

Opens: OCT 1, 2023
Closes: JAN 21, 2024 at 5PM (PST)

General Scholarship Program

Any student currently enrolled at Ventura College in the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 academic year who has successfully completed at least 6 credits* at Ventura College by the end of the Fall 2023 Semester.

Undocumented, international, and dual enrollment (those enrolled in high school and VC classes simultaneously) students are also eligible given that they too have met the 6 unit minimum requirement.

*More details about credit minimum:

  • Most classes at VC are 3 credits. If you've passed 2 VC classes, it is highly likely that you've completed at least 6 units.
  • Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards this unit requirement.
  • Units at Oxnard College and Moorpark College may be counted towards Ventura College Foundation Scholarships under special circumstances.

If a student is not currently enrolled at Ventura College, applications will be considered for approved situations (all units completed and on waiting list for the nursing program, took a semester abroad, or special circumstances).

Applications MUST be submitted by the deadline. No exceptions will be made.

Components of the application are as follows:

  • 1 Letter of Recommendation; it MUST be academic in nature and come from a VC faculty or staff person (ex: current or former instructor, counselor, etc.). Students can seek additional recommendation letters and members of the VCF Review Committee will score the strongest one. Recommendations that come from friends or family will not be accepted.
  • 2 short essays; a) Educational/Career goals, b) Community Well Being (Community service, family responsibilities, extracurricular school activities, work responsibilities, etc.)
  • Copy of current unofficial transcripts (found in student portal)
  • Copy of Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 Student Schedule/Bill (found in student portal)

The Phoenix Scholarship Program was established in November 1999 by Ventura College Foundation board members who learned about the unique needs of Ventura College re-entry students.

Re-entry students are those who have taken a break in their educational endeavors due to various life circumstances (military service, working, caring for a loved one, financial troubles, incarceration, etc.) for a minimum of one year but have returned to Ventura College to earn an education and/or learn new skills.

The Phoenix Scholarship is designed to assist these students who have minimal or no resources to fund the cost of their education.

Students can apply for these scholarships through our general scholarship application.

Most of the scholarships are available for any type of study focus but some are for specific majors, such as:

  • General STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
  • Environmental Sciences such as Agriculture, Botany, Conservation and Ecology, Entomology, Floriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning
  • Physical or Life Sciences such as Physics, Geology, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology
  • Applied Science such as Water, Electronics, Machine Shop, Welding, Manufacturing, CAD
  • Computer Sciences
  • Health Care, Medicine (General or Specializations), or Paramedics
  • Holistic Health Studies
  • Nursing, including prospective or accepted into Nursing Program
  • Fine Arts, Creative Arts, or Applied Arts
  • Music, Performing Arts, Choir, Choral Conducting, or Organ Conducting
  • Journalism or Public Relations
  • Political Science, Government, Economics, or Public Affairs
  • Photography
  • Humanities
  • Education, Teaching, or Early Childhood Education
  • Library Science or English
  • Psychology or Anthropology
  • Social Science or Sociology
  • History or Chicano studies
  • Business or Real Estate
  • Pre-Law, Criminal Justice, or Law Enforcement

Some of the scholarships with specific studies-focus only require an intent to study in the area of study, but most require some credits which verify interest and success in the area. Some require as many as 24 credits in the area of study. Applicants with such area of study goals and progress should describe them in their applications, identifying applicable credits, and successes. Descriptions should be specific and concise.

Much of the information needed to match applicants to scholarships with these requirements is gathered in the application form, but if the applicant has relevant information to add, it can be done in the essays. For instance, if an applicant has overcome a hardship, it is helpful to have a description of how this was achieved and how the applicant is ready to benefit from a scholarship.

Most scholarships are available to any applicant without any special conditions, but some seek to support students with certain backgrounds, such as:

  • Financial need
  • Head of household with dependents
  • Returning to college after a substantial interruption
  • School or community involvement
  • Residents of specific cities in Ventura County
  • Athletes
  • Veterans
  • Relatives of current or former classified employees
  • Emancipated or current foster kids, or transitional living residents
  • Marginalized groups
  • Boys or Girls Club of Ventura County alumni
  • ADA handicapped
  • Undocumented students

Ventura College Foundation staff are eager to support students in the application process.

Join us for one of the following virtual scholarship application workshops.

Together we will break down the essays into small pieces. Students will leave with outlines for each essay and knowledge of best practices. Students also have the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and provide feedback. Each workshop will be recorded and provided to students upon request.

Additionally, students are encouraged to visit the Ventura College Stan Weisel Tutoring Center for assistance with their essays during normal tutoring center hours.

Finally, students may refer to the rubric that the VC Foundation Scholarship Review Committee uses when scoring scholarship applications. Click here!

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General Scholarship Important dates

Application Opens October 1, 2023

Application Closes Jan 21, 2024

*Applications MUST be submitted by the deadline on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (PST). No exceptions will be made.

All 2024 Scholarship Award Applicants will be notified whether or not they’ve been selected as a scholarship recipient via their Ventura College email address and their email address (if provided) by mid-April.

General Scholarship Workshops

Link for all Zoom Workshops:  https://vcccd-edu.zoom.us/my/vcfoundation

Paramedic Scholarship Program

The Paramedic Scholarships run on a different cycle in comparison to our general scholarships.

Currently enrolled Ventura College students who are in the Paramedic Studies Program.

To be considered for any Ventura College Foundation Paramedic Scholarship, apply via our Scholarship Application.

    • Log into MyVCCCD Student Portal
    • Under the "Tools" menu on the left side, click on "Financial Aid"
    • Click on "Scholarships - VC"
    • Locate and complete the online application prior to the deadline to be considered.

Additional Documentation:

  • Submit a copy of current Unofficial Transcripts
  • Fall 2023 Student Schedule/Bill (found in student portal)

Include one letter of recommendation…

  • Must be academic in nature and come from either a current Ventura College Paramedic Studies faculty member or a past EMT instructor

And one essay!

  • Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in becoming a Paramedic
  • Describe your future career plans in the paramedic field, and how you intend to accomplish these goals.

Ventura College Foundation staff are eager to support students in the application process.

Join us for one of the following virtual scholarship application workshops.

Together we will break down the essay into small pieces. Students will leave with outlines for the essay and knowledge of best practices. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and provide feedback. Each virtual workshop will be recorded and provided to students upon request.

Additionally, students are encouraged to visit the Ventura College Stan Weisel Tutoring Center for assistance with their essays during normal tutoring center hours.

Finally, students may refer to the rubric that the VC Foundation Scholarship Review Committee uses when scoring scholarship applications. Click here!

2023-24 Paramedic Scholarship Workshops

Link for all Zoom Workshops:  https://vcccd-edu.zoom.us/my/vcfoundation

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2023-24 Paramedic Scholarship Important dates

Application Opens September 1

Application Closes Nov 28, 2023

*Paramedic Applications MUST be submitted by the deadline on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (PST).  No exceptions will be made.

All 2023 Paramedic Scholarship Award Applicants will be notified whether or not they’ve been selected as a scholarship recipient via their Ventura College email address and their personal email address (if provided) by mid-December.

Career Education Scholarship Program

Career Education Scholarships for Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Diesel Mechanics, run on a different cycle in comparison to our general scholarships.

Currently enrolled Ventura College students who are in Ventura College's Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture (including Veterinary Technician), or Diesel Mechanic Studies Programs.

To be considered for any Ventura College Foundation Career Education Scholarship (Ventura College's Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture (including Veterinary Technician), or Diesel Mechanic Studies Programs), apply via our Scholarship Application.

    • Log into MyVCCCD Student Portal
    • Under the "Tools" menu on the left side, click on "Financial Aid"
    • Click on "Scholarships - VC"
    • Locate and complete the online application prior to the deadline to be considered.

Additional Documentation:

  • Submit a copy of current Unofficial Transcripts (found in student portal)
  • Fall 2023 Student Schedule/Bill (found in student portal)

Include one letter of recommendation…

  • Must be academic in nature and come from either your current Ventura College Career Education Program faculty member or staff person (ex: current or former instructor, counselor, etc.). Recommendations that come from friends or family will not be accepted.

And two short essays!

  • Educational/Career goals
  • Community Well Being (Community service, family responsibilities, extracurricular school activities, work responsibilities, etc.)

Ventura College Foundation staff are eager to support students in the application process.

Join us for one of the following virtual scholarship application workshops.

Together we will break down the essays into small pieces. Students will leave with outlines for each essay and knowledge of best practices. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and provide feedback. Each workshop will be recorded and provided to students upon request.

Additionally, students are encouraged to visit the Ventura College Stan Weisel Tutoring Center for assistance with their essays during normal tutoring center hours.

Finally, students may refer to the rubric that the VC Foundation Scholarship Review Committee uses when scoring scholarship applications. Click here!

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2023-24 Career Education Scholarship Important dates

Application Opens September 1

Application Closes Nov 28, 2023

*Career Education Applications for VC Advanced Manufacturing, VC Agriculture (including Veterinary Tech Program), & VC Diesel Mechanics programs MUST be submitted by the deadline on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (PST).  No exceptions will be made.

All 2023 Career Education Scholarship Award Applicants will be notified whether or not they’ve been selected as a scholarship recipient via their Ventura College email address and their personal email address (if provided) by mid-December.

Questions?

The Ventura College Foundation & Ventura College Financial Aid Staff are always eager to support students in the scholarship application process!  For Scholarship Application Assistance, please contact:

2023/24 Scholarship Award Checks

Congratulations to our Spring 2023 Scholarship Recipients! 

Here's how to receive your Scholarship Funds for the 2023-2024 academic year:

The VC Foundation will be disbursing/paying out your funds AFTER August 1, 2023:

Please send an email to the Ventura College Foundation at vcfoundation@vcccd.edu that includes your:

  • Fall 2023 proof of enrollment as soon as you have it. Acceptable proof of enrollment includes the following information:
    1. The institution to which you are enrolled,
    2. Your full name and student ID number, and
    3. The semester in which you are enrolled, as well as the courses you are taking and the corresponding number of units you are enrolled in
  • If you will be enrolled at Ventura College in the Fall 2023 semester, please also include your current mailing information in this email. More information is included below*.

IMPORTANT NOTE - All proof of enrollment submissions will be processed AFTER August 1, 2023. It may take up to three weeks for your scholarship to be processed and subsequently disbursed.

*Mailing scholarship checks:

  • All students who are enrolled at Ventura College in the 2023-2024 academic year, have received a scholarship that can be used while enrolled at Ventura College.  Students that have submitted their proof of enrollment will receive their scholarship funds by a paper check in their name to be deposited in their personal bank accounts.
  • All students who are enrolled at any other educational institution (ANY other Community College, training program, or four-year College or University) in the 2023-2024 academic year, have received a scholarship that can be used while enrolled at their said institution. Students that have submitted their proof of enrollment will receive their scholarship funds through their institution. The Ventura College Foundation will send a check to the said institution to be deposited into your account. Students will need to work with their transfer institution to coordinate how their funding is applied.

Questions? Please contact Micsin Martinez at micsin_martinez1@vcccd.edu or 805-289-6161.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

NOTE: These scholarships are NOT funded or organized by Ventura College nor the Ventura College Foundation.

Abogados de Accidentes Ahora Scholarship

Alliance Recruitment Agency

American Indian College Fund Wi'aasal Great Oak Future Leaders Scholarship Fund

Benjamin Gordon Cambridge Capital Grant

Berger and Green Heart Disease Scholarship 

California Association of Environmental Professionals Scholarship

California Strawberry Scholarship Program 

Calvin Rosser's Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship

Cocodrie Fly Fishing (CFF) Foundation Education Award

Course Hero Scholarships

CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship

Diamocycle Scholarship for Future Entrepreneurs

Epilator Hub Scholarship

Fish'N Dans Banks Family Education Fund

GAINSWave Veteran Continuing Education Scholarship

Gary Saitowitz Scholarship

George Sink, P.A. Veterans & Military Family Scholarship 

Hallie Gay Bagley Giving Scholarship

House Farm Workers! Ellen Brokaw Scholarship

Injury Doctor Scholarship

Justice Pays Scholarship

KF&B Law Academic Scholarship

Kryder Law Group, LLC Community Leadership Scholarship

LendUp Opportunity Scholarship 

Little Bundle Superdad Scholarship

Little Bundle Supermom Scholarship

Martin Polanco Grant

Mattress Advisor 

Mercer Mettl Scholarship for Emerging Leaders 2020 

Mesothelioma Hub Scholarship

Morris Bart, LLC Community Service Scholarship

NetPEO Lung Cancer Awareness Scholarship

OutdoorStack Financial Aid Program

Pettable Pet Lovers Scholarship

Pintas & Mullins Dangers of Vaping Scholarship

Rustic Pathways Global Perspectives Scholarship

SeniorLivingNearMe.org Scholarship 

Simmrin Law Group Entrepreneurial Scholarship 

TEFL Academy Scholarship

TheBestSchools.org Online College Scholarships

The Cover Guy Annual Scholarship

TorHoerman Law Scholarship

UberCloneApp Scholarship Program for Mobile Computing Students 

WiseGeek Lifelong Learners Scholarship

WiseGeek Military Appreciation Scholarship

If you have any questions, please fill out and submit our contact form.