Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $636,000 In Scholarships

VENTURA, Calif. - June 12, 2024 - PRLog -- The Ventura College Foundation presented 421 scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year totaling $636,017 during its 35th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 16, at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.

Continuing students received an average of $2,417 in scholarships while students transferring to four-year universities received an average of $3,557. At a minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship.

A recipient of three Phoenix scholarships Daniel Mendez of Fillmore, is a returning student, having first attended Ventura College almost 10 years ago. He plans to receive his associate degree in Drafting this Fall.  "Ventura College offers tuition help, scholarships and online classes. These are super important to me," says Mendez. "I would be forced to take out loans to pay for school."

"With rising college costs, scholarships can mean the difference between students being able to continue with their education or having to drop out," says Nicole Kreutz, chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors.  "Scholarship funds help offset tuition, books and other expenses. They can be a game changer."

Gabrielle MacNeill of Simi Valley, a member of the Ventura College water polo and swim teams, is transferring to Cal State Northridge in the Fall. She received multiple scholarships including the Miriam and Henry Schwab Memorial Aquatics Scholarship given to students involved in aquatics.

"I always feel very welcomed whenever I walk on the Ventura College campus," says Gabrielle. "Moving on to the next chapter of my education, these scholarships will reduce the financial stress and enable me to pay for tuition and housing expenses."

Multi-scholarship recipient Frank Smith has set his sights on owning his own business. He will finish his studies in the Fall and transfer to the University of West Florida where he will major in Business Management.

"I've had excellent professors and Ventura College," says Smith. "I owe my educational success to Ventura College and the opportunities it offers. I didn't have a college fund. Through these scholarships, I can go to school without taking loans. The financial resources are out there. You just have to find them."

"The drive and dedication our students show is truly amazing," says Kreutz. "They are an inspiration to all of us."

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include Edison International, Searle Creative, Bank of the Sierra, L&T Catering, Miracle Mile Advisors, Ohana Pet Hospital, LetzChat, Trinity Wheeler Photography and Luners Production Services.

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.