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.
General Scholarship Program
Any student currently enrolled at Ventura College in the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic year who has previously passed or is on track to pass a minimum of 6 units by the close of the semester in which they have applied.
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 2024 or Spring 2025 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 non-traditional students.
Non-traditional 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 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!
General Scholarship Important dates
Application Opens October 1, 2024
Application Closes Jan 20, 2025
*Applications MUST be submitted by the deadline on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (PST). No exceptions will be made.
All 2025 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
- Wednesday, Oct 30th, 2024 - 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. in MCE 341 (Multidisciplinary Center East)
- Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 - 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Workshop with LRC Tutoring Center at Guthrie Hall - With Essay assistance
- Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 - 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. VRC (Veterans Resource Center) - Scholarship Workshop
- Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 - 3:30 p.m. - 4:40 p.m. LRC Tutoring Center at VC Foundation Computer Lab at DRC (Day Road Center) - With Essay assistance
- Friday, Nov 22, 2024 - 9 a.m. Zoom (passcode: 473303)
- Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024 - 2 p.m. Zoom (passcode: 942780)
- Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024 - 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. VRC (Veterans Resource Center) - Scholarship Workshop
- Thursday, Dec 12, 2024 - 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. - Workshop at DRC Computer Lab
- Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 - 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Drop in Hours) Guthrie Hall
- Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 - 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. (Drop in Hours) Guthrie Hall
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 2024 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!
2024-25 Paramedic Scholarship Important dates
Application Opens September 2, 2024
Application Closes Nov 29, 2024
*Paramedic Applications MUST be submitted by the deadline on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (PST). No exceptions will be made.
All 2024 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, Applied Industrial Technology, 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), Applied Industrial Technology, 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 2024 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!
2024-25 Career Education Scholarship Important dates
Application Opens September 2, 2024
Application Closes Nov 29, 2024
*Career Education Applications for VC Advanced Manufacturing, VC Agriculture (including Veterinary Tech Program), VC Applied Industrial Technology, & VC Diesel Mechanics programs MUST be submitted by the deadline on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (PST). No exceptions will be made.
All 2024 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:
2024/25 Scholarship Award Checks
Congratulations to our Spring 2024 Scholarship Recipients!
As a quick refresher, some of our scholarships are subject to special requirements in order to be disbursed to the scholarship recipient. Please review these Scholarship Requirements
The VC Foundation will be disbursing/paying out your funds AFTER August 1, 2024:
Please send an email to the Ventura College Foundation at vcfoundation@vcccd.edu that includes your:
- Fall 2024 proof of enrollment as soon as you have it. Acceptable proof of enrollment includes the following information:
- The institution to which you are enrolled,
- Your full name and student ID number, and
- 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 2024 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, 2024. 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 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year, have received a scholarship that can be used while enrolled at their said institution. Students who 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 Araceli Gonzalez Aggarwal at aaggarwal@vcccd.edu or 805-289-6141.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
NOTE: These scholarships are NOT funded or organized by Ventura College nor the Ventura College Foundation.
Abogados de Accidentes Ahora Scholarship
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
CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship
Diamocycle Scholarship for Future Entrepreneurs
Fish'N Dans Banks Family Education Fund
GAINSWave Veteran Continuing Education Scholarship
George Sink, P.A. Veterans & Military Family Scholarship
Hallie Gay Bagley Giving Scholarship
House Farm Workers! Ellen Brokaw Scholarship
Kryder Law Group, LLC Community Leadership Scholarship
LendUp Opportunity Scholarship
Little Bundle Superdad Scholarship
Little Bundle Supermom Scholarship
Mercer Mettl Scholarship for Emerging Leaders 2020
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
TheBestSchools.org Online College Scholarships
The Cover Guy Annual Scholarship
UberCloneApp Scholarship Program for Mobile Computing Students
California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship Program
California Retired Teachers Association Scholarship
Chief Information Systems Officers Association Scholarship
Dr. Bob Pazen Nursing Scholarship Award Application 2022
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative
Foundation for California Community Colleges Real Estate Education Endowment Scholarship
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarships
Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarship Program
Rotary Club of Camarillo Scholarships
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award
VCCCDRA Sponsored Don B. Medley Scholarship through VCCF
Ventura County Community Foundation Scholarship Program
Ventura County Educators' Hall of Fame Scholarship
Women of Substance & Men of Honor’s Elisa Davis Memorial Scholarship
If you have any questions, please fill out and submit our contact form.