• 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.
• Your GPA must be visible.

Please note most recommenders will need at least two (2) weeks notice to fill out the recommendation questionnaire, but it is never too early to ask. We encourage you to give your recommenders as much advance notice as possible when requesting a reference.

This year, your recommenders will be filling out a questionnaire on your behalf.

1. Give your recommenders enough time to fill out the questionnaire.
2. At least 1 recommendation should come 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.  

• 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.
  • Many of our scholarships require that applicants demonstrate financial need. Please click here to see 2022/23 Financial Need Guidelines.

The Ventura County community foundation has nearly 100 scholarship opportunities! Please review the guidelines and apply only for the opportunities you qualify.

New scholarships are available, and some changes have been made. All applicants, even those who have previously been awarded a scholarship, should review the guidelines as criteria may have changed. Click here for 22/23 Scholarship Guidelines. Click here for Scholarship Index of majors and populations served.

• 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. Make note of all scholarships that require additional letters of recommendation/portfolios/documents/etc.
• 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. Please note: VCCF provides Convenings and Support each week to provide help with the application. Please see below for the schedule if you’d like to meet with scholarship staff.
• 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.