The Ventura College Foundation recently awarded 103 Ventura College students with individual STEM and Phoenix scholarships.
The annual Phoenix scholarships are awarded to Ventura College re-entry students with minimal or no financial resources to cover the costs of their education. At the 19th annual event, each student received a scholarship between $500 and $5,000 for a total of $48,400.
Phoenix Scholarship recipients are selected based on their applications, essays, recommendations from counselors, faculty and employers, and individual challenges overcome by these dedicated re-entry students. Now in its 19th year, the positive impact of the Phoenix Scholarship program is reflected in its results: 63% of recipients are first-generation college students, 33 % are single parents and 63 % are pursuing education and training in the growing health-related fields of nursing, paramedic and emergency medical technology (EMT).
“Our re-entry students are often part-time students, working and/or caring for a family, which requires commitment and sacrifice. Typically, these are students who don’t qualify for most traditional scholarships or financial aid,” said Anne King, VC Foundation executive director. “Individuals in our community fund the Phoenix Scholarships to help these students, making it possible for them to continue their education rather than abandoning their goals.”
Since its inception, the VCF Phoenix Scholarship program has recognized more than 350 students and awarded more than $250,000 in individual scholarships.
STEM scholarships went to 75 students pursuing education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STEM scholarships were funded by the Gene Haas Foundation, Southern California Edison, and a partnership between the National Science Foundation and University of California, Santa Barbara.
The Ventura College Foundation received over 500 applications for the scholarships available.
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. For more information, contact Anne King at 289-6461 or [email protected]. Or visit www.venturacollege.edu/foundation.
