The Ventura College Foundation presented scholarships to 240 students for the 2022-2023 academic year during its 33rd Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 13, at the Ventura College Athletic Center. There were 446 scholarships awarded, including nine new scholarships, totaling $756,908. Last year’s distribution amount was $652,758.
Scholarships ranged from an average of over $2,400 for continuing students to an average of $4,200 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.
“Students are still feeling the impact of the pandemic and scholarships can make the difference between being able to stay focused on education or having to scale back,” says Ellyn Dembowski, chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors. “Ventura College Foundation has over 400 available scholarships. Students can apply for scholarships in specific areas of study or general scholarships. We urge students to take advantage of this valuable financial resource when the scholarship applications window opens again.”
For multiple scholarship winner Alyna Zarate, 19, her career goal is to become a lawyer or political science professor. She originally studied biology, but after she became involved in student government at Ventura College, her interests shifted.
“The scholarships showed me the potential in myself, that I can do anything in this world,” says Zarate. Besides her involvement in student government, Zarate volunteers with the Coalition for Literacy, which helps adults and students struggling to read. “Growing up, my parents always told me to give back to the community. At the end of the day, I want to make a difference in someone’s life.”
The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include Edison International, HZ Main Events Design & Consulting, Miracle Mile Advisors, Citizens Business Bank, Searle Creative, Bank of the Sierra, L&T Catering, Ohana Pet Hospital, and Trinity Wheeler Photography.
Scholarship applications will be accepted for the next academic year beginning in the Fall. For more about the Ventura College Foundation and donation opportunities, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org.
