Tag: Ventura College Foundation

Ventura College Foundation Provided $809,995 In Direct Student Support During 2022-2023 Academic Year

VENTURA — Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $809,995 in direct assistance support to over 5,000 students during the 2022-2023 academic year and another $1.17 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 departments and divisions.

“Since the foundation’s inception, it’s raised over $48 million to benefit Ventura College students and programs. There is no better way to celebrate the foundation’s 40thanniversary than to contribute another $2 million to help remove the financial barriers to education that students face,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director.

Ventura College Foundation is Now Accepting Scholarship Applications

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-25 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 21, 2024.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2023-2024 academic year and who have completed at least six units by the end of the Fall 2023 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“Beginning last year, we reduced the scholarship eligibility requirement from twelve to six units to make the application process more inclusive for part-time students,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “With work and family commitments, it’s often difficult to attend full-time.”

Ventura College Foundation Launches Fundraiser To Ensure Tuition Costs Are Covered Despite State Budget Cuts

The Ventura College Foundation has launched a fundraising effort to support the Ventura College Promise program. The program covers all tuition and fees for eligible students for up to two years. The foundation’s goal is to raise $40,000 by April 30.

Ventura College was the first community college in California to offer a tuition Promise program if students meet certain criteria. For students to be eligible for the current two-year tuition-free education they must be first-time incoming students who attend full-time. The Ventura College Promise served as a model for the creation of the statewide California College Promise Program in 2017.

Ventura College Foundation Provides $776,264 in Direct Student Support During 2021-2022 Academic Year

Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $776,264 in direct student support during the 2021-2022 academic year and another $1.24 million to 68 Ventura College programs across 16 department and divisions.

Of the $776,264 in direct student support, $756,908 was in the form of scholarships. “The student scholarship distribution is our largest ever,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “A growing community donor based helped us reach the $1.24 million mark to support Ventura College programs.”

Jordana Ybarra-Telias Honored At Ventura College Celebration/Veterans’ Emergency Grant Program Named After Her

Jordana Ybarra-Telias was honored by Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation on December 13 in a “Legacy Celebration” on the college campus. Ybarra-Telias was the coordinator of the Ventura College Veteran Resource Center and president of the Ventura College Classified Senate until her passing in May 2022.

Ybarra-Telias was in the process of establishing an emergency grant program for veterans to receive “mini-grants” to help pay for emergency expenses. The Ventura College Foundation took on the fundraising efforts. The grant program was established and named in Ybarra-Telias’ honor.

Bilingual report — Ventura College Foundation Acepta Solicitudes de Becas para El Año Escolar 2022-23

The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-23 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 20, 2023. 

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2022-2023 academic year, who have completed at least six credits by the end of Fall 2022 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“We recently lowered the minimum number of credits from 12 to 6 so many part-time students now qualify to apply,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Many of our students work full time and have family commitments that prevent them from taking a full class load. Our new credit policy opens eligibility to these students.” 

Gerry Pantoja Named Ventura College Foundation’s Director of Philanthropy

Gerry Pantoja has been named Director of Philanthropy at the Ventura College Foundation. He had previously held the position of Director of Major and Planned Giving.

“It is a privilege to work with individuals and organizations who have and continue to seek to improve our community through the power of education,” says Pantoja. “Through their partnerships and ongoing support, our students will go on to earn certificates and degrees or transfer to a four-year university, obtaining the skills and knowledge that will not only better their lives but Ventura as well. In this new role, I look forward to continuing this work with our community partners to expand our ability to make a difference in the lives of the students who will lead and care for Ventura in the coming years.”

Ventura College Foundation Confers Board Emeriti Status On Ruth Hemming, Ed.D. and Donna Santo, Esquire

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors conferred Board Emeriti status on Ruth Hemming, Ed.D., and Donna Santo, Esquire for their years of leadership and service to thousands of students and alumni of Ventura College. Both served on the…

Ventura College Foundation Distributes More Than $750,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation presented scholarships to 240 students for the 2022-2023 academic year during its 33rd Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 13, at the Ventura College Athletic Center. There were 446 scholarships awarded, including nine new scholarships, totaling $756,908. Last year’s distribution amount was $652,758.

Scholarships ranged from an average of over $2,400 for continuing students to an average of $4,200 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.

Ventura College Foundation Provided $696,095 In Direct Student Support During 2020-2021 Academic Year

Despite pandemic challenges, the Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and school programs, distributed $696,095 in direct student financial support during the 2020-2021 academic year and another $871,749 to 28 Ventura College programs across 17 department and divisions.

“This past academic year was like no other for students and their families, college leadership, faculty and staff, donors and the foundation,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Despite everything, the foundation was able to build its financial reserves while distributing over $1.5 million in student and school program aid.”

Esmeralda Juarez, Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Supervisor, Named A Ventura Chamber Hometown Hero During Annual Poinsettia Awards

Esmeralda Juarez, Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace supervisor, was named a Ventura Chamber of Commerce 2021 Hometown Hero during the chamber’s annual Poinsettia Awards Ceremony December 9.

Juarez, who has worked at the Marketplace for 20 years, was honored for her leadership that enabled the Marketplace to remain open and serve the community during the pandemic. For over 35 years, residents have relied on the Marketplace for their everyday goods and fresh produce. The Marketplace also generated almost 100 percent of the operating revenue of the Ventura College Foundation through vendor rental income. When the county shut down on March 13, 2020, the Marketplace closed, leaving the community without an open-air fresh food and goods market and the Ventura College Foundation with only three months of operating cash. 

Ventura College Foundation Revises Scholarship Application Requirements; Removes Barriers To Applying

The Ventura College Foundation has revised its scholarship application requirements. The changes are designed to remove barriers to applying. The revisions were approved by the foundation board and are effective immediately.

“We reviewed our scholarship program outcome data, researched best practices for scholarship providers along the lines of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and conducted a student forum to receive feedback from students who had previously gone through the scholarship application process. We heard from many that the old requirements presented unrealistic barriers that prevented them from applying,” says Amy Cherot, chair of the foundation’s Scholarships & Grants Committee.  “We’re always looking for ways to better serve Ventura College students and to improve diversity and equity in our scholarship application process.”

One of the significant changes to the scholarship application requirements is that instead of requiring applicants to have completed 12 Ventura College credits by the end of the fall semester in which they are applying, they will have had to complete at least six credits. Credits earned in previous semesters at the college count toward the minimum unit requirement.

Ventura College Foundation Receives Nearly $185,000 Gift From Aurora Loss Estate To Support Ventura College Nursing Department And Its Students

Ventura College Foundation, which provides financial support to students and programs of Ventura College, received $184,105 from the estate of long-time Ventura College supporter Aurora Loss who passed away in April 2020 at age 102. Loss has a 20-year history of giving to Ventura College Foundation to fund scholarships for Ventura College nursing students.

Loss’ donation is divided equally with $92,052 designated for the establishment of the Aurora Loss Scholarship Fund endowment and $92,052 to the college’s nursing department for the purchase of medical training equipment. The scholarships will be managed and awarded through the Ventura College Foundation.

Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $640,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation awarded 400 scholarships to 228 students totaling $642,758 for the 2020/21 academic year.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards. Scholarship amounts range from an average of nearly $2,400 for continuing students to an average of nearly $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Over half of the winners received multiple scholarships.

“Despite the challenges during the school year because of the pandemic and virtual learning, many Ventura College students were able to excel in their academic studies,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “Scholarship recipients are a wonderful example of the drive and commitment that our students show every day. Education is the gift that can pull families out of poverty, establish new futures, and launch dreams. We have been fortunate to be able to continue our mission during COVID to foster and enhance the education of Ventura College students. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors and community members who are giving the gift of education by making these scholarships possible.”

Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Returns To East Parking Lot

VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace, which temporarily moved to the West Parking Lot on the Ventura College campus while solar panels were installed at its home on the East Parking Lot, will return to its permanent location on…

Ventura College Art Dept. Receives $50,000 Donation From Carnegie Art Cornerstones

The Ventura College Art Department received a $50,000 endowment from Carnegie Art Cornerstones. The donation was coordinated by the Ventura College Foundation. The money will be used to establish a fund to provide support to the college’s visual arts gallery/exhibition program and to help foster the education and artistic growth of up and coming student artists.

“Providing a gallery exhibition experience for our students gives them the opportunity to be recognized for their talent and to build their artistic resume,” says Jesse Groves, Ventura College’s gallery director and curator. “Right now, there are minimal platforms for students to show their work. These exhibits also serve as a way to bring culture to the community.”

Ventura College Foundation Provides Record Support in 2019-20 Despite Pandemic Challenges

The Ventura College Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial support to Ventura College students and to school programs, distributed $824,548 in financial support during the 2019-2020 academic year–$699,971 in scholarships, $84,577 in VC Promise tuition assistance and $40,000 in textbook support. The annual scholarship distribution was the largest in the foundation’s history and was distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic in April.

Ventura College Launches Veterinary Technology Program

Ventura College is offering a new two-year Veterinary Technology Program culminating in an Associate of Science degree. Classes begin spring 2021 at Ventura College’s East Campus in Santa Paula.

After successfully completing the first-year curriculum, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assistant, which will enable students to seek entry level employment in the field of veterinary technology while completing the Associate of Science degree requirements.

Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace Temporarily Moves To New Location During Campus’ Solar Panel Installation

Ventura College Foundation’s Weekend Marketplace will temporarily move to a new location on the Ventura College campus while solar panels are installed at its current site (East Parking Lot). The Marketplace will open at the campus’ West Parking Lot on November 28. The Marketplace will be closed November 21 and 22 in preparation for the move. The solar panel installation is expected to take 12 weeks to complete.

Ventura College Foundation Accepting Scholarship Applications for 2021-22 School Year

The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications to support awardees in the 2021-22 school year. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2021.

More than 400 scholarships will be awarded to Ventura College students. Students who are currently enrolled at Ventura College and who have successfully completed at least 12 units at the college are eligible.

Ventura College Foundation’s Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library Program To Provide Textbook Stipends To Veteran Students

The Ventura College Foundation’s Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library Program received $59,000 in new funding to provide textbook stipends to U.S. veteran students attending Ventura College.

Veterans will be given up to $250 per semester for two semesters. To receive the textbook-buying stipend, recipients must donate at least one of their books purchased with the stipend to the Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library so future students can have access to textbooks at no cost. The library is named after Arellano, a Marine veteran and long-time firefighter including service at Station 32 at Edwards Air Force Base.

Ventura College Foundation Launches ‘Stronger Foundation, Stronger Future’

The economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis is impacting local nonprofit community organizations in unforeseen ways. One of those affected is the Ventura College Foundation. The foundation’s operating expenses are funded almost entirely from proceeds generated by its Ventura College Weekend Marketplace on the Ventura College campus. With the Marketplace closed until large gathering restrictions are lifted, funds to keep the foundation running are drying up.

Ventura College Foundation Announces Distribution Of Over $683,000 In Scholarships

The Ventura College Foundation is awarding scholarships to 248 students totaling $683,748, the largest annual scholarship distribution in the foundation’s history.

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 for continuing students to $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Many students received multiple scholarships.

Ventura College Foundation Marketplace Closed Until Further Notice

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, which operates every Saturday and Sunday on the Ventura College campus, is closed until further notice. Ventura College is following the March 19 COVID-19 “Shelter In Place” executive order from California Governor Gavin…

Ventura College Cancels Miriam & Henry Schwab Academy of Music Summer Program Due To Coronavirus Crisis

VENTURA — Ventura College’s Miriam & Henry Schwab Academy of Music, scheduled for mid-July, has been cancelled in keeping with state, health and school closure guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). “We are very disappointed that we cannot…

Gene Haas Foundation Donates $250,000 To Ventura College Foundation To Support Advanced Manufacturing Program

VENTURA — The Gene Haas Foundation has made a $250,000 grant award to the Ventura College Foundation to support the Advanced Manufacturing program at Ventura College. These funds will be used to relocate the current manufacturing lab to the college’s…

Ventura College Foundation Endorses Proposition 13 Education Bond Measure on March 3 Ballot

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation has endorsed Proposition 13 on the March 3 primary ballot. The statewide $15 billion education bond measure would enable seismic, safety and maintenance building improvements to California public schools including $2 billion earmarked for…

Ventura College Honors Benefactor Miriam Schwab Posthumously With 12-Foot Bronze Sculpture On Campus

VENTURA — A 12-foot high bronze sculpture honoring long-time Ventura College supporter Miriam Schwab was unveiled in front of Ventura College’s Performing Arts Center on January 25. The sculpture was created by Ventura artist Michael O’Kelly. It features a music…

Two New Members, Harald Wulff and Abra Flores, join Ventura College Foundation Board

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors has added two new board members: Harald Wulff and Abra Flores. Wulff is a retired chemical industry executive. He served on the management board of Henkel KGaA headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany.…

Association of Fundraising Professionals Names Ventura College Foundation Executive Director Anne Paul King “Professional Fundraiser of the Year”

CENTRAL COAST — The Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals named Ventura College Foundation Executive Director Anne Paul King as its 2019 Professional Fundraiser of the Year. The award was announced at the association’s National Philanthropy…

New Ventura College Foundation Website Makes It Easier For Student To Navigate Scholarships/Financial Assistance Options

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation has unveiled its new website designed to make it easier for students to engage with the foundation and explore scholarship opportunities, tuition relief and textbook lending options. It also provides a simple process for…

Two New Members Join Ventura College Foundation Board

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors has added two new board members. The new members are Catherine Bojorquez and Michael Schouten. Bojorquez is vice president of business and administrative services at Ventura College. She has worked in…

Nov. 4 — Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation to Honor Veterans And Active Duty Military

VENTURA — The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation are honoring veterans, active military and their families at the fourth annual Ventura College Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, Monday, November 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the…

Ventura College Foundation Adds Two Board Members

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors approved two new board members at its June 26 meeting. The new members are Stephen Kipp and Nuris Dante. Kipp, president and CEO of Kipp Financial Group before retiring last year,…

Ventura College Foundation Marketplace Looks To Expand Number Of Saturday Produce & Prepacked Food Vendors

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, which operates every Saturday and Sunday on the Ventura College campus, is looking to expand the number of Saturday produce and pre-packaged food vendors. The Marketplace attracts between 2,000 and 5,000 visitors each…

Ventura College Foundation Announces Recipients of 32nd Annual Scholarship Awards

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation presented scholarships to 140 students during its 32nd Annual Scholarship Awards luncheon and ceremony, Saturday, May 4 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. Ventura College students received $326,529 in scholarship funds. Some earned multiple…

Ventura College Foundation Announces Recipients of 20th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Awards

VENTURA — Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Ventura College Foundation‘s Phoenix Scholarship program awarded scholarships to 29 students at a ceremony held Thursday, April 18 at the college’s Wright Event Center. Scholarships were given to re-entry students based on their…

Ventura College Foundation Announces Recipients of First Allied Health Scholarships

VENTURA — Ventura College students interested in careers in the medical and health fields received the first annual Allied Health Scholarship awards from the Ventura College Foundation at an April 13 ceremony at the college. A total of $93,300 in…

Ventura College Foundation Seeks Sponsors for Student Scholarship Events

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is seeking sponsors for several Ventura College student scholarship award events scheduled for April and May. The inaugural Allied Health Scholarship Awards ceremony will be held Saturday, April 13 at Ventura College’s Wright Event…

Ventura College Foundation Hosts Campus Tours

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation (VC Foundation) is hosting tours of the Ventura College campus on the last Monday of the month through April. The “A Pirate’s Life for Me” one-hour walking tour is for community members, service club…

Ventura College Foundation Receives $2 Million Donation From Helen Yunker Estate

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation has received a $2 million donation from the Helen Yunker estate. Honoring Yunker’s request, the donation will establish endowments for the Ventura College Music Department and the Opera and Musical Theatre program. The gift…

Nov. 8 — Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation Honor Veterans And Active Duty Military At BBQ

VENTURA — The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation are inviting veterans, active military and their families to attend the third annual Ventura College Veterans Day Celebration and BBQ Thursday, November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00…

Miriam Schwab Estate Donates $12 Million to Ventura College Foundation; Largest Gift Ever To A Community College In Southern California

VENTURA — Ventura College Foundation, which provides financial support to students and programs of Ventura College, received $12 million from the estate of Miriam Schwab. It is the largest gift ever to a community college in Southern California according to…

Ventura College Phoenix Scholarship Program Enters its 19th Year. Scholarship ceremony to be held April 19

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation is helping 28 mature adults attain their dreams of higher education by providing the financial assistance needed to return to college. This month, the Foundation will award a total of $48,400 in Phoenix Scholarships…

Sept. 1 — ‘¡Ay Chihuahua, A Mariachi Musical!’ performance at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center

VENTURA — “¡Ay Chihuahua, A Mariachi Musical!,” A benefit performance for the Ventura College Foundation, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1,  Ventura College Performing Arts Center. The foundation offers more than $300,000 per year in scholarships to Ventura College Students. Sponsored by…

Ventura College Foundation appoints Anne King Interim Executive Director

VENTURA — The board of directors of the Ventura College Foundation named Anne Paul King as its interim executive director following the resignation of Norbert Tan, effective July 7. King previously served as the Foundation’s development director for the past three…

Local news briefs

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation awarded more than $563,000 in scholarships to 284 Ventura College students in May, the organization reported in a media release. Awards ranged from $500 to $9,500 and were presented by the foundation to recipients…

Local news briefs

VENTURA COUNTY — Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College are offering a variety of classes this summer from general education to career technical education, basic skills and transfer courses, the Ventura County Community College District reported in a media…

Ventura College Santa Paula Site to present information on California Dream Act on Feb. 26

SANTA PAULA — The Ventura College Financial Aid Office will discuss changes in California legislation in regards to AB540 and how undocumented students are now eligible for Financial Aid and other resources from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 at…

Friends of Ben Saiz establish Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation

VENTURA — Friends of Ben Saiz have established the Ben Saiz Memorial Scholarship through the Ventura College Foundation, organizers reported in a media release. Please help us with a tax-deductible donation, or please forward to anyone who may be interested in…

Local news briefs

SAN LUIS OBISPO — SLO RISE (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) has announced a change in office hours to meet funding cuts and increasing demand, the organization reported in a media release. “This decision was made after much deliberation,” Jennifer Adams,…