• You must submit a transcript as a PDF file in order for your application to qualify.
• Student Profiles will not be accepted.
• Screenshots of Student Connection Portals or any other portals will not be accepted.
• If you are a freshman in college, please also submit your high school transcripts for a more complete academic history. 

NOTE: Letters of reference must be written within 6 months of submission; date of writing must be noted and visible in the letter. 

Please note most recommenders will need at least two (2) weeks notice to write and submit a letter, but it is never too early to ask. We encourage you to give your recommenders as much advance notice as possible when requesting a letter.

This year, YOU will be uploading your letters of recommendation to your application. 

1. Give your recommenders enough time for them to provide you with a letter of recommendation 
2. At least one (1) letter must be from a teacher or academic counselor
3. Other letter(s) can be from a coach, pastor, employer, mentor, or anyone who knows you and is not a family member
4. Please make sure you upload your letter in a PDF file
5.  

• When filling out the application, you will need to enter your most recent financial information.
  • If you are a dependent you will need your parents/spouse total income from the most recent filing tax year.
  • If you are independent you will need  the total income for your most recent filing tax year.

The Ventura County community foundation has over 87 scholarship opportunities! Please review the guidelines and apply only for the opportunities you qualify.

Please review the 2022 eligibility guidelines as we’ve added new scholarships and made some changes from years past. Please note even if you are a returning applicant or prior recipient it is still important to review eligibility guidelines as criteria may have changed.

Review Eligibility Guidelines Now

• TIP #1 Apply only if you are eligible.
  Read the scholarship requirements and directions carefully, and make sure that you are eligible before you apply. Your application won’t be considered if you are not qualified to apply.
  
  
• TIP #2 Complete the application in full.
  Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question does not apply, note that on the application (“n/a” for not applicable).  Don’t just leave a blank.  Include all required documents.
  
  
• TIP #3 Follow the directions.
  Provide everything that is required, but do not supply things that are not requested – your application will be disqualified.  If a special letter or form is required, make sure that you include it.
  
  
• TIP #4 Make sure your essay makes an impression.
  The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experience come alive: the ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘where,’ and ‘when’ of your topic. The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were affected.  There is a specific prompt or topic for each scholarship. Be sure that you respond to that prompt. Be sure to check your spelling. Think of your essay as a narrative picture of you for our selection committee.
  
  
• TIP #5 Do not wait until the last minute
  The application takes time to fill out, be thoughtful about your answers. 
  
  
• TIP #6 Give it a final ‘once-over.’
  Proofread the entire application carefully. Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread your essays.
  
  
• TIP #7 Ask for help if you need it.
  If you have a problem with the application, visit your school’s Scholarship Coordinator.  If you have specific questions about the application, contact Ventura County Community Foundation.
  
  
• TIP #8 Remember:  your scholarship application represents you!
  Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you.  It’s your face to this organization. Take pride in yourself by submitting the best application you can.