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 emarostica@vccf.org or scholarships.vccf.org
We will ask you about the following in the questionnaire:
- 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.
Unfortunately, applicants who do not have two references are automatically disqualified from the VCCF scholarship application process.
If you are unable to fill out the questionnaire, please notify the student immediately so that the student can ask someone else.
Important Dates

*Please note: All materials from references are due on February 2, 2024, two weeks after students turn in their 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!


