Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — Aera Energy, a longtime leader in the California energy industry, and the Ventura College Foundation (VCF) are excited to support young adults interested in pursuing future careers in energy, through a new endowment that provides STEM scholarships.
The Aera Energy STEM Scholarship Fund will award annual scholarships to students studying and seeking a degree in STEM disciplines and interested in pursuing a career in the energy sector. The endowment was launched through an initial $25,000 donation from Aera in December. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student every April.
“The future of reliable, safe and affordable energy for this and future generations of Californians relies, in part, on investment in our future workforce. These students are tomorrow’s engineers, teachers and geologists. That’s why Aera supports education in the communities where we operate,” said Amy Fonzo, external affairs advisor at Aera-Ventura. “We’re proud to help the VCF support young adults who are pursuing STEM education. These energy workers of the future will help power our state while innovating new technologies to meet the state’s climate goals.”
“The foundation welcomes Aera Energy’s new scholarship endowment,” says Anne Paul King, the foundation’s executive director. “These types of scholarships help our students stay focused on their areas of study and set them on a successful career path. Upon graduation, they enter the workplace with in-demand skills that businesses are looking for.”
The deadline for application submissions is coming up quickly: Jan. 20, 2023. For more about Ventura College Foundation scholarships go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org/scholarships/
About Aera Energy — Aera Energy is a California company and a long-time leader in the energy industry accounting for nearly 25 percent of the state’s oil production. Formed in 1997, it is headquartered in Bakersfield and is known for excellent safety and environmental performance, innovative business practices, application of cutting-edge technology, a dynamic company culture and being a valued community partner. With operations centered in the San Joaquin Valley, much of Aera’s oil production comes from Kern County. Aera also has active oil field operations in Ventura, Monterey, and Fresno counties.?For information, visit www.aeraenergy.com
About Ventura College — Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers, and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org