VCCF Scholarship references
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 reference
Getting Started
Before you get started on your letter, please take a moment to review the following important information.
Students will ask if you are willing to fill out a questionnaire on their behalf. If you are not able to fill out the questionnaire, please notify them so they can find a different reference. Two questionnaires must be submitted on behalf of the student, otherwise they are automatically disqualified. The questionnaire will be confidential, and the student will not have access to your answers.
Students will enter your email address into the application, you will receive an email from Academic Works with a direct link to the questionnaire. You may be required to create a username and password.
If you are having any technical issues, please email [email protected]
Student success stories
I would like to thank my donor’s generosity for assisting me in pursuing my bachelor’s in forestry and fire sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I first became interested in environmental sciences on a spring break trip I took to the Sierra Nevada in my senior year of high school, and I have dedicated much of my life to pursuing a career in forestry ever since. My favorite experience has been interning as a student worker at the Santa Monica Mountains, where I got to experience firsthand the joys of restoring my local environment. With the financial support I receive, I can focus on my education and future career path without worrying about the financial burdens that come with college. I hope that when I graduate, I can create a better environment for our state's national and state parks for everyone in the future to enjoy.
Alecsander Ceja
Thank you very much for your generous gift toward my medical school education. I am currently in the third week of my first year of medical school at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. It is definitely challenging, but I am happy and grateful to be immersed in an academic environment where I know that every piece of information I learn will be utilized toward healing others in the future. I have already been coated at my White Coat Ceremony, met my first patient as a medical student, and had my first gross anatomy exam. I feel incredibly fulfilled to be here, and I am overwhelmingly thankful for your help in relieving some of the financial stress of medical school. Although Keck is a great school, it is a private institution that offers no financial aid other than loans. This scholarship is definitely very helpful in allowing me to focus on my education rather than worrying about my financial burden.
Your unexpected generosity has truly inspired me. Although I cannot repay your kindness back directly, I promise to pay it forward. I would not be in medical school right now if it were not for the compassionate people like you who have supported me through my journey. Inspired by you, I will use my education to be a mentor and investor for the next generation.
Angelina Lim
Student success stories
I would like to thank my donor’s generosity for assisting me in pursuing my bachelor’s in forestry and fire sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I first became interested in environmental sciences on a spring break trip I took to the Sierra Nevada in my senior year of high school, and I have dedicated much of my life to pursuing a career in forestry ever since. My favorite experience has been interning as a student worker at the Santa Monica Mountains, where I got to experience firsthand the joys of restoring my local environment. With the financial support I receive, I can focus on my education and future career path without worrying about the financial burdens that come with college. I hope that when I graduate, I can create a better environment for our state's national and state parks for everyone in the future to enjoy.
Alecsander Ceja
Thank you very much for your generous gift toward my medical school education. I am currently in the third week of my first year of medical school at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. It is definitely challenging, but I am happy and grateful to be immersed in an academic environment where I know that every piece of information I learn will be utilized toward healing others in the future. I have already been coated at my White Coat Ceremony, met my first patient as a medical student, and had my first gross anatomy exam. I feel incredibly fulfilled to be here, and I am overwhelmingly thankful for your help in relieving some of the financial stress of medical school. Although Keck is a great school, it is a private institution that offers no financial aid other than loans. This scholarship is definitely very helpful in allowing me to focus on my education rather than worrying about my financial burden.
Your unexpected generosity has truly inspired me. Although I cannot repay your kindness back directly, I promise to pay it forward. I would not be in medical school right now if it were not for the compassionate people like you who have supported me through my journey. Inspired by you, I will use my education to be a mentor and investor for the next generation.
Angelina Lim
Student success stories
I would like to express how grateful I am to the generous donors who keep the channels of opportunity open. I am filled with an immense appreciation for this incredible opportunity and consider it both an honor and a blessing. As a first-generation Latino college student, I cannot emphasize enough how much your generosity means to me. I will use the scholarship to help pay for books and tuition. To me, this scholarship means the world. This scholarship will allow me to focus on internship and research opportunities this academic year as I continue on my journey to becoming a medically competent and language-proficient physician capable of serving the Spanish-speaking communities I call home.
The VCCF program holds a special place in my heart because it not only aids me on my path but also allows me to support my hardworking parents who dedicate themselves to full-time jobs. Your contribution will directly contribute to my future and allow me to assist my parents in bearing the expenses of my education. I am proud to say that my abuelita was overjoyed when she learned about my achievement.
With profound gratitude, I extend my sincere thanks to each and every donor. Your investment in my education and belief in my potential continue to ignite a flame of motivation. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and work tirelessly to achieve my academic goals, always keeping the words and guidance of my mentors close to my heart. Thank you once again for your incredible support, and I wish you all a wonderful day.
Anthony Garay
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity and support in providing this scholarship. Your dedication to empowering individuals like me to pursue their dreams and aspirations is truly remarkable. Receiving this scholarship is not just a financial relief; it is a validation of my hard work, determination, and potential. I can focus on my education without the burden of overwhelming financial constraints for the fall semester. Your investment in my future will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting impact on my life. I am filled with a renewed sense of motivation and enthusiasm, knowing that I have such amazing individuals like you standing beside me.
Your generosity extends far beyond the monetary value of this scholarship. It signifies the faith you have in my potential to contribute to society, to make a positive difference, and to achieve great things. Your belief in me fuels my determination to succeed. Words cannot adequately express the depth of my gratitude. Please know that your kindness and support have touched my heart in ways that I cannot fully articulate. I am truly honored and humbled to be the recipient of your generosity, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities you have bestowed upon me.
Christian Sandoval
Student success stories
I would like to express how grateful I am to the generous donors who keep the channels of opportunity open. I am filled with an immense appreciation for this incredible opportunity and consider it both an honor and a blessing. As a first-generation Latino college student, I cannot emphasize enough how much your generosity means to me. I will use the scholarship to help pay for books and tuition. To me, this scholarship means the world. This scholarship will allow me to focus on internship and research opportunities this academic year as I continue on my journey to becoming a medically competent and language-proficient physician capable of serving the Spanish-speaking communities I call home.
The VCCF program holds a special place in my heart because it not only aids me on my path but also allows me to support my hardworking parents who dedicate themselves to full-time jobs. Your contribution will directly contribute to my future and allow me to assist my parents in bearing the expenses of my education. I am proud to say that my abuelita was overjoyed when she learned about my achievement.
With profound gratitude, I extend my sincere thanks to each and every donor. Your investment in my education and belief in my potential continue to ignite a flame of motivation. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and work tirelessly to achieve my academic goals, always keeping the words and guidance of my mentors close to my heart. Thank you once again for your incredible support, and I wish you all a wonderful day.
Anthony Garay
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity and support in providing this scholarship. Your dedication to empowering individuals like me to pursue their dreams and aspirations is truly remarkable. Receiving this scholarship is not just a financial relief; it is a validation of my hard work, determination, and potential. I can focus on my education without the burden of overwhelming financial constraints for the fall semester. Your investment in my future will undoubtedly have a profound and lasting impact on my life. I am filled with a renewed sense of motivation and enthusiasm, knowing that I have such amazing individuals like you standing beside me.
Your generosity extends far beyond the monetary value of this scholarship. It signifies the faith you have in my potential to contribute to society, to make a positive difference, and to achieve great things. Your belief in me fuels my determination to succeed. Words cannot adequately express the depth of my gratitude. Please know that your kindness and support have touched my heart in ways that I cannot fully articulate. I am truly honored and humbled to be the recipient of your generosity, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities you have bestowed upon me.
Christian Sandoval
Student success stories
I just wanted to say how grateful I am to be receiving this scholarship. No words to describe all the emotions running through my head. As a little girl I would never have thought I would be receiving this big amount of financial aid. I am speechless, and in tears because this is a dream come true. My parents are migrant workers, and they are shocked that I DO NOT have to worry about paying for my education for a while. My parents did not really grow up with anything given to them so this gift to me is like a once in a lifetime experience. My mom and dad have always said, “Education is always the way out. We don't know how we are going to pay for your college, but we will figure it out.” Now they no longer have to worry about the expenses of a career after high school thanks to you. As a person with a special education plan, school has never come easy to me however, I will NOT let that get in the way of pursuing my education. On top of that, being diagnosed with lupus has made this whole high school experience much harder for me to achieve things in life. However, it has pushed me to want to get a good education and a career. I have been in and out of the hospital, seen lots of things that have always stuck with me. I now know I want to become a social worker or a nurse to help people out. Thank you for this opportunity and gift so I can pursue my education and career goals.
Elizabeth Rodriguez
I want to thank you for the contribution you've made. VCCF and their generous donors have now supported my pursuit of higher education, learning, and discovery for what will be six years now. From an undergraduate degree in biology and a minor in public health to now competing my master’s in public health policy and management, I feel comfort in knowing that there are individuals from my community who will support me in creating a better life for myself and those around me. Although I'm not certain what my next steps will be, I know that whatever work I commit myself to will be for the purpose of providing equitable healthcare and educational opportunities for minority populations. With your financial assistance I will be able to pay for my education and professional dues as well as groceries and gas to commute to school and to work. The reduced financial burden means I can focus on taking advantage of all the opportunities UCLA has to offer. Thank you. I strive to be in a position such as yours to support other students financially in the near future.
Gabriela Soto
Student success stories
I just wanted to say how grateful I am to be receiving this scholarship. No words to describe all the emotions running through my head. As a little girl I would never have thought I would be receiving this big amount of financial aid. I am speechless, and in tears because this is a dream come true. My parents are migrant workers, and they are shocked that I DO NOT have to worry about paying for my education for a while. My parents did not really grow up with anything given to them so this gift to me is like a once in a lifetime experience. My mom and dad have always said, “Education is always the way out. We don't know how we are going to pay for your college, but we will figure it out.” Now they no longer have to worry about the expenses of a career after high school thanks to you. As a person with a special education plan, school has never come easy to me however, I will NOT let that get in the way of pursuing my education. On top of that, being diagnosed with lupus has made this whole high school experience much harder for me to achieve things in life. However, it has pushed me to want to get a good education and a career. I have been in and out of the hospital, seen lots of things that have always stuck with me. I now know I want to become a social worker or a nurse to help people out. Thank you for this opportunity and gift so I can pursue my education and career goals.
Elizabeth Rodriguez
I want to thank you for the contribution you've made. VCCF and their generous donors have now supported my pursuit of higher education, learning, and discovery for what will be six years now. From an undergraduate degree in biology and a minor in public health to now competing my master’s in public health policy and management, I feel comfort in knowing that there are individuals from my community who will support me in creating a better life for myself and those around me. Although I'm not certain what my next steps will be, I know that whatever work I commit myself to will be for the purpose of providing equitable healthcare and educational opportunities for minority populations. With your financial assistance I will be able to pay for my education and professional dues as well as groceries and gas to commute to school and to work. The reduced financial burden means I can focus on taking advantage of all the opportunities UCLA has to offer. Thank you. I strive to be in a position such as yours to support other students financially in the near future.
Gabriela Soto
Student success stories
I am very thankful for the donors providing an opportunity for students like me to receive this scholarship. I know that this scholarship will greatly benefit my higher education as I pursue my master’s in social work at USC. I am very passionate about education and learning, as I feel as though one is always discovering and absorbing new information. Nelson Mandela once said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I hope to use my education “from both inside and outside of the classroom” to make a positive impact on those around me! Through crocheting and knitting, I have learned the importance of creating and of letting go. I have learned how to move my anxiety, how to spin and weave those feelings into something tangible and how to give back. It has helped in developing the skills to better understand an individual's struggles, while offering lessons of resiliency, compassion, and hope: how, through a challenging time, one can still make something beautiful. I am particularly interested in working in a medical institution to provide mental health support, giving back to my community through education and healing.
Sydney Gran
It is often said that education is the key to unlocking the future. With your incredible scholarship, you have kindly shared that key with me and opened the doors of opportunity that were once unimaginable. Receiving this scholarship is an immense honor. With this financial assistance, I will be able to complete the last year of my master's degree, a master’s in science in counseling, with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential to serve as a school counselor for students in K-12 schools. The scholarship has not only relieved me of the financial burden but has also reaffirmed my belief that there are incredible individuals like you who believe in the power of education and are willing to invest in the dreams and aspirations of young students.
I am filled with gratitude for the faith and trust you have placed in me. Your decision to support my academic journey signifies a profound belief in my potential to make a positive impact on the lives of students. Your support has empowered me to finish my studies with passion, unwavering dedication, and commitment. I will consistently honor this trust by giving my best and working hard to become a competent and compassionate school counselor.
Your investment in my education will not only benefit me, but it will have a ripple effect on the lives of countless students and their families. By entrusting me with this scholarship, you have become an integral part of a larger journey, one that encompasses the dreams and aspirations of innumerable young minds. Your contribution will empower me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, assisting them in overcoming obstacles and unlocking their true potential.
Once again, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your trust in my abilities. Your impact on my life and the lives of countless students will live on for many, many years. Please know that your kindness will forever live on in my heart, and I am forever grateful for the doors you have opened for me. I look forward to becoming part of the 4% of Latinas with a master's degree next year, and with that comes a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart for investing in my education and for being a beacon of hope and opportunity. Your generosity will forever be etched in my heart, and I will carry the spirit of kindness with me as I navigate the last year of my master's journey and enter the educational world as a school counselor.
Amanda Castellanos-Rodriguez
Student success stories
I am very thankful for the donors providing an opportunity for students like me to receive this scholarship. I know that this scholarship will greatly benefit my higher education as I pursue my master’s in social work at USC. I am very passionate about education and learning, as I feel as though one is always discovering and absorbing new information. Nelson Mandela once said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I hope to use my education “from both inside and outside of the classroom” to make a positive impact on those around me! Through crocheting and knitting, I have learned the importance of creating and of letting go. I have learned how to move my anxiety, how to spin and weave those feelings into something tangible and how to give back. It has helped in developing the skills to better understand an individual's struggles, while offering lessons of resiliency, compassion, and hope: how, through a challenging time, one can still make something beautiful. I am particularly interested in working in a medical institution to provide mental health support, giving back to my community through education and healing.
Sydney Gran
It is often said that education is the key to unlocking the future. With your incredible scholarship, you have kindly shared that key with me and opened the doors of opportunity that were once unimaginable. Receiving this scholarship is an immense honor. With this financial assistance, I will be able to complete the last year of my master's degree, a master’s in science in counseling, with a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential to serve as a school counselor for students in K-12 schools. The scholarship has not only relieved me of the financial burden but has also reaffirmed my belief that there are incredible individuals like you who believe in the power of education and are willing to invest in the dreams and aspirations of young students.
I am filled with gratitude for the faith and trust you have placed in me. Your decision to support my academic journey signifies a profound belief in my potential to make a positive impact on the lives of students. Your support has empowered me to finish my studies with passion, unwavering dedication, and commitment. I will consistently honor this trust by giving my best and working hard to become a competent and compassionate school counselor.
Your investment in my education will not only benefit me, but it will have a ripple effect on the lives of countless students and their families. By entrusting me with this scholarship, you have become an integral part of a larger journey, one that encompasses the dreams and aspirations of innumerable young minds. Your contribution will empower me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, assisting them in overcoming obstacles and unlocking their true potential.
Once again, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your trust in my abilities. Your impact on my life and the lives of countless students will live on for many, many years. Please know that your kindness will forever live on in my heart, and I am forever grateful for the doors you have opened for me. I look forward to becoming part of the 4% of Latinas with a master's degree next year, and with that comes a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart for investing in my education and for being a beacon of hope and opportunity. Your generosity will forever be etched in my heart, and I will carry the spirit of kindness with me as I navigate the last year of my master's journey and enter the educational world as a school counselor.