Ventura College Foundation Provided $738,558 In Direct Student Support in 2023-24 School Year

VENTURA, Calif. - Jan. 21, 2025 - PRLog -- The Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $738,558 in direct assistance support to 7,858 students during the 2023-2024 academic year and another $1.33 million to 56 Ventura College programs across 14 departments and divisions.

"The Ventura College student body is made up of 40 percent first-generation college students," says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. "Ventura College students know the value of a solid education. They are well on their way to becoming our next scientists, first responders, educators, workforce technicians, public servants and innovators."

In 2023-24, the foundation provided $81,750 in gap funding to ensure tuition costs under the Ventura College Promise program were covered despite state budget cuts. The program covers all tuition and fees for eligible students for up to two years. "The VC Promise reduced the financial burden for 4,195 first-time, full-time first and second-year students," says King. "Imagine the relief of completing two years of college without tuition debt." The foundation's support of the college's lending library and veterans' textbook program provided textbooks to 3,733 students.

The foundation also provided funding to the Ventura College Basic Needs Program including its two food pantries, and the Jordana Ybarra-Telias Emergency Grant Program. "The pantries, one at the Ventura campus and the second at the East Campus in Santa Paula, are serving 350 students each day, up 40 percent from the last school year," says King. "The Basic Needs Program helps alleviate food and housing insecurity and provides support for overall student wellness which are critical to academic success."

Scholarship awards totaled $636,016, benefiting 421 students. Many of the scholarships have been established by long-time foundation donors. "Our generous donors are committed to helping students overcome the financial barriers that they face," says King. "Scholarships can make all the difference and empower students to thrive."

For more information on the Ventura College Foundation's 2023-24 Impact Report, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org/foundation-impact. To learn about Ventura College Foundation donation options, click https://venturacollegefoundation.org/giving.