VCCF SCHOLARSHIP
RECOMMENDERS
Thank you for supporting our Ventura County students!
Every year, thousands of students apply for VCCF scholarships. Letters of reference are a vital part of the VCCF Scholarship application process. They provide members of the selection committee with a holistic view of the student during the evaluation process. Letters of reference reveal much about the applicant, and they allow selection committee members to better understand the applicant’s goals, aspirations, work ethic, and character.
“I’m a recommender because grades and activities only tell part of the story.
My hope is that a well-written letter of rec tells a donor the student’s story of
grit and perseverance.”
—SARAH PAGE, HIGH SCHOOL AVID TEACHER AND RECOMMENDER
Getting Started
Before you get started on your letter, please take a moment to review the following important information.
- Students will ask if you would be willing to write a letter of reference on their behalf. If you are not able to write the letter on behalf of the student, please notify them so they can find a different recommender. Students must submit 2 letters of reference, otherwise they are automatically disqualified.
- When you have finished writing the letter, please give the letter to the student in a PDF file, students will need to upload the letters directly to their application portal.
Please be sure to include the following information in your letter of recommendation:
- Your relationship to the student
- How long you have known the student
- The areas of strength of this student
- The student’s work ethic
If you know the student in an academic capacity, please also address the student’s participation in class, as well as their skills in collaborating with and listening to others.
NOTE: Letters of reference must be written within 6 months of submission; date of writing must be noted and visible in the letter.
Unfortunately, applicants who do not have two letters of reference are automatically disqualified from the VCCF scholarship application process.
If you are unable to write a letter of reference for a student, please notify the student immediately so that the student can ask someone else.
Important Dates

*Please note: Applications submitted by the Dec 10 deadline will be reviewed for accuracy by the VCCF; students will have an opportunity to correct errors and resubmit applications.

I was initially planning on majoring in business administration; however I recently changed my major to nursing. My ultimate goal after college is to change the world in a positive way and save lives!


