On Thursday evening, May 7, 2026, the Ventura Education Partnership, better known as VEP, held its annual Celebration & Gratitude event at the Museum of Ventura County in downtown Ventura, highlighting its 2025-2026 grant recipients and donors.
Established in 1988, VEP’s all-volunteer board meets monthly and raises funds from community donors to provide grants annually to educators and students in the Ventura Unified School District. This year, 42 educator grants and 20 secondary student grants totaling roughly $60,000 were given. In addition, the non-profit sponsored early literacy reading events and book giveaways at four VUSD Title I schools giving free books to every TK-2nd grade student at E. P. Foster, Sheridan Way, Lincoln, and Elmhurst Schools. Book giveaways at four additional Title I schools are planned for the 2026-2027 school year.
VEP Co-Presidents, Michael Tapia and Nancy Maxson welcomed the event guests, sharing the organization’s appreciation for the community’s support of its mission to help educators and students in their quest for innovative and engaging learning activities. Additional speakers included Ventura Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Antonio Castro and the President of the Ventura USD Board of Trustees, James Forsythe. Representatives for Congressman Salud Carbajal and California Senate President pro Tempore, Monique Limón were in attendance, while State Assemblymember Steve Bennett was present to offer some inspirational comments for audience members.
To the delight and interest of the audience, district elementary music teacher, Paul Brown and Foothill Technology High School Counselor, Rebecca Wulff, shared how their respective grants positively impacted the students they serve. Two student grant winners, Parker D. from Lemon Grove School and Sanvi K. from De Anza Academy of Technology & the Arts (DATA) also explained their grants’ impact at their schools and beyond.
Debbie Golden, VEP Co-Secretary and board member since VEP’s inception in 1988, identified and thanked this year’s major and monthly donors and encouraged attendees to consider donating to support the organization’s impactful mission.
Delicious appetizers were provided by Ventura High School students in the culinary program under the direction of teacher Kayla Hernandez. In addition to non-alcoholic beverages, wine was donated by Old Creek Ranch & Winery. If you’d like to donate to VEP you can send your check to Ventura Education Partnership, 255 W. Stanley Ave., Ventura, CA 93001.
https://www.venturaeducationpartnership.org/
