2026 Scholarship Gratitude Gallery

Students across Ventura County have accepted awards from the VCCF Scholarship Program for our 2026 season, lifting up 440 students to achieve their academic dreams. These students would like to say thank you to our donors and volunteer readers who made this possible, and share a bit about their lives and hopes for the future…

“Just a couple days ago, I asked myself how I was actually going to pay for college, and at the time I honestly had no clue. Then a couple days later, I opened my email and was surprised with a couple of emails congratulating me for winning some scholarships. I was in shock and extremely excited. Opportunities like this are what really makes or breaks going to college for a lot of people, including myself.”

– Miguel

“While the scholarship provides valuable support for my legal education, what means even more to me is the confidence and encouragement it represents. Knowing that others believe in my potential and are willing to invest in my future is both humbling and inspiring. Throughout my education and career, I have been committed to serving my community and advocating for youth and families. This scholarship affirms that commitment and strengthens my resolve to continue pursuing meaningful work that creates positive change.”

– Valerie

“I am so beyond grateful and blessed for this opportunity to be awarded such an amazing scholarship. Growing up and navigating things as a young adult is challenging, but those supporting me is what keeps me going to reach my goals! This is such a blessing for the next chapter in my life; all this funding helps me to continue my journey in school as a future nurse.”

– Harley

“This support will make a meaningful difference in my life, helping ease financial concerns and allowing me to focus more fully on my education. As I prepare to begin university in the spring semester, this scholarship will also support me through the application process and transition into higher education. I am passionate about my academic journey, and I deeply appreciate the chance to continue pursuing my goals without the added burden of financial stress.”

– Levi

“I have been able to experience and learn things I’d only ever dreamed of, and it wouldn’t have happened without the overwhelming support of the VCCF! Students put in such hard work to be excellent, and the people at the VCCF make the process so much easier, allowing these scholars to be awarded for these efforts.”

– Dayana

“This assistance is absolutely fundamental to my ability to attend college, and I am incredibly grateful. Your generosity inspires me to persevere in my studies. I hope to follow your example and give back to my community both economically and professionally, supporting others just as you have supported me.”

– Madison

“To those who really took the time to read my application and a part of my life, I cannot thank you enough. I wish I could say that circumstances in my life have been getting better, but I would be lying to you and to myself. However, in times and blessings like this, I get reminded that there is still goodness in humanity. I do not take this for granted and I want to let whoever is reading this know that thanks to this, I can continue to work really hard to achieve the goals that I know can take me out of this situation.”

– Adiel

“I am forever grateful to be selected as the recipient of the scholarship, as this tremendously helps me and my education. I plan to continue to be a role model for today’s youth; once again, thank you all so much for this scholarship.”

– Josejulian

“This scholarship will definitely help me pay off some of my school tuition and allow for me to save for my bills and not worry about rent. I hope to continue making my community proud and working hard towards my goals of becoming a teacher one day and teaching my own classroom.”

– Andrea

“Because of this scholarship, I can pay for my school expenses and program tuition, which allows me to fully dedicate my time and focus on my studies. I am set to finish the paramedic program and internship this fall. Upon completing the program, I intend to work as a full-time paramedic on an ambulance. My ultimate goal is to be a firefighter paramedic after I gain the necessary field knowledge and experience to feel competent in my skills.”

– Eliana

“People like you are the reason why many of us are even able to pursue a higher education, and for me gives me hope in a corrupted world. I know that wherever my future leads me, I will be able to look back and thank all the organizations that have helped me achieve the success I will get, and hopefully be able to reciprocate it to the next generation of students who will continue to follow in the same path we once did.”

– Brandon

“This money will help with the needs for the coming college year and make it so much easier to dive into my first year.
I want you to know this money will be used to promote my education, and I am very excited for this next chapter of my life. I hope you’ll be able to see my name as a teacher and remember you made it easier for me.”

– Nicole

“I am deeply grateful for this scholarship and the opportunity it provides as I continue working toward my degree. This support will help ease the financial challenges of being a single mother while pursuing higher education. Leaving my 9 to 5 position as a medical assistant to return to school was not an easy decision, but I know it was the right one. I am committed to building a better future for my sons and showing them that with hard work, perseverance, and education, anything is possible.”

– Roberta

“Nursing has been a dream career for me, and I have taken steps towards making that a reality by becoming a CNA and just recently obtaining an HHA license. I am truly grateful for the financial help, as this would go towards my education to become a Registered Nurse.”

– Martin

“I am forever grateful, and I will remember to give back to those in need, especially the future graduating seniors like me, once I’m able to do so, because I’m inspired by this generosity. Transitioning to college is not just a self-achievement, but also an achievement of everyone who supported me and made the transition possible.”

– Alyssa

“As a first-generation Latina and a mother of three, pursuing higher education while preparing to take the LSAT and apply to law schools has come with many financial challenges and sacrifices. Receiving this award is a reminder that my goals are worth pursuing and that the struggles along the way have purpose. My dream is to become an attorney so I can continue helping and advocating for the communities around me, especially those who often feel unheard in systems that were not built for them.”

– Olanda

“Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and time with this scholarship. I am the first in my family to ever receive a scholarship and I thank you for giving me this opportunity and helping me make my family proud. I hope to make you proud as well.”

– Brianna

“As a young mother and first-generation college student, continuing my education has not always been easy, but this scholarship helps motivate me to keep working toward my goals. Your generosity gives students opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their families.”

– Natalia

“Thank you so much for honoring me with this scholarship! This scholarship will greatly help me with my undergraduate tuition so I will be able to achieve my dream of becoming a professional piano and organ performer.”

– Jasmine

“As I come from a low-income household raised by a single mother, financial struggles have always been a burden to my family and me. As I have received this scholarship from you, it has given me the ability to take that burden off my mother and be able to not distract myself away from school due to being worried if I will be able to pay for the next quarter’s tuition.”

– Alexa

“Your generosity will go a long way in helping me achieve my dreams to create a better future for myself and my daughter. My journey has not been easy, but with hard work and the kindness of others like yourself, it inspires me to continue reaching for the stars. Growing up, I never really had anyone believe in me, so your belief in me means the world to me.”

– Anjelica

“It means so much to have so many generous people in the world willing to help those who will turn around and help the world with their careers! This scholarship means relief through nursing school, so I can focus on my studies and how to pay it forward.”

– Anna

“Being a student who works two jobs to pay for my tuition, this scholarship truly means so much to me. Your generosity not only supports my education but also motivates me to continue working hard and striving toward my goals. I hope to make the most of this opportunity and, in the future, give back in ways that reflect the generosity you have shown.”

– Christopher

“As a mom to a 5-year-old, balancing school, work, and family hasn’t always been easy, but becoming a nurse has always been my goal. I’ve worked hard as a CNA while completing nursing school, and I’m proud to be graduating with my ADN. This scholarship will help make it possible for me to keep going and continue building a better future for my child and myself.

Your generosity means more than just financial help; it’s encouragement to keep pushing forward and pursuing the career I care so deeply about. With the opportunities this education will give me, I hope to serve my community with compassion, understanding, and quality care, and to make a positive difference in the lives of the patients and families I work with.”

– Georgina

“The financial support eases the burden of educational expenses such as textbooks and supplies, allowing me to focus more fully on my coursework and long-term goals. It brings me one step closer to achieving a career that requires years of dedication and preparation.

I am truly grateful for your investment in my future and for supporting students who are committed to the field of medicine. I am honored to represent the values of the Medical Education Fund as I continue my journey toward becoming a pediatrician and to serve the communities that have uplifted me and gave me my identity and purpose.”

– Isabella

“This scholarship will play a meaningful role in supporting my education as I continue pursuing my goal of becoming a psychologist. More than just financial assistance, this award is a powerful source of motivation and encouragement. It reminds me that my goals are possible and that there are people who believe in my future. This is a big step forward in my journey, and it inspires me to continue working hard so that one day I can give back and make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

– Marybeth

“Thank you so much for supporting my education since my undergraduate studies! Now, I am in my master’s program to become a therapist and I could not have done this without your support!”

– Lyzette

“I chose nursing after a very personal experience – the loss of my grandfather, who helped raise me. During that time, my family and I provided in-home hospice care for him. Being part of his care showed me how important compassion, dignity, and comfort are at the end of life, and it inspired me to pursue a career in nursing so I can provide that same level of care to others. My goal after becoming a Registered Nurse is to gain experience in the ER while continuing my education at CSUCI to obtain my BSN. In the future, I aspire to work as a District Nurse for Oxnard Unified School District, where I can support and educate the next generation.

As a working mother of two, my educational journey has not been easy. Your scholarship, however, gives me the confidence I need to continue in my endeavors and takes a financial stress off my shoulders.”

– Isabella