Congratulations on Pursuing Higher Education!
Through the generosity of local donors, VCCF is able to partner with you to help you reach your career and educational goals.
VCCF Scholarship Season is Now Closed

The application process
Our scholarship application process is competitive, with over 100 scholarship opportunities available and several thousand applicants annually. Completing your application carefully and completely is crucial for eligibility. We advise each student to thoroughly read the following page to understand application requirements.
In order to successfully complete your application the application process, please review all the information within this page.
- Create an account on the VCCF Academic Works portal by clicking here. Be sure to use your personal email address and check your email frequently. Do not use your school email address. Identify a password by following these guidelines. Your password must:
- Not contain your username or common words or phrases.
- Contain a minimum of 12 characters.
- Include at least 1 digit, 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter, and 1 of these special characters: # ? ! @ $ % ^ & * –
- Reach out to two individuals who are willing to fill out a recommendation questionnaire on your behalf. One of the individuals must be a teacher or school counselor. You will be asked to list your references' names and email addresses in the application portal. If possible, please provide their personal email addresses. Other can be a coach, pastor, employer, or someone who is not a family member. Letters from peers will not be accepted.
- After you have filled out the general application, click on “other opportunities” to make sure you meet the requirements for the individual opportunities you are applying to.
- If you need assistance, please contact our scholarships department at [email protected]
- You must submit a transcript as a PDF file in order for your application to qualify. Please make sure file name is short and without special characters.
- Student profiles are only acceptable as long as they include your unweighted GPA.
- Your unweighted 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.
- Give your recommenders enough time to fill out the questionnaire.
- The other recommendation(s) can be from a coach, pastor, employer, mentor, or anyone who knows you well and is not a friend or family member, but at least 1 recommendation should come from a teacher or academic counselor.
Some of our scholarships require proof of financial need. Please click here to see Financial Need Guidelines. When filling out the application, you will need to know your most recent financial information.
- If you are a dependent you will need your guardians'/spouse's 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.
- Financial Need Guidelines will be available in October of each calendar year.
The Ventura County Community Foundation has over 100 scholarship opportunities!
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. Scholarship guidelines will be available in October of each calendar year.
Click here for our Scholarship Guidelines.
Click here for our Scholarship Index of Majors and Populations Served.
When you complete and submit the general scholarship application, your application will be considered for all of the auto-match scholarship opportunities available. In addition to auto-match opportunities, there are several apply-to scholarships available. You can review apply-to opportunities once you submit the general application.
- TIP #1 Do not wait until the last minute
The application takes time to fill out, be thoughtful about your answers. - TIP #2 Ensure your recommendations are submitted on your behalf
The application requires two recommendations for your application to be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure that your recommenders complete the recommendation on your behalf by the final deadline. - TIP #3 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 #4 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 essay or form is required, make sure that you include it. - TIP #5 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 #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, please reach out to the VCCF Scholarship team at [email protected]. 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. - TIP #9 Apply only if you are eligible.
For the apply-to scholarships available, please make sure that you are eligible before you apply. Your application won’t be considered if you are not qualified to apply.
November 13, 2024 – VCCF scholarship applications open
January 15, 2025 – Applications close at 5 p.m.
January 24, 2025 – Reference materials due
January to May 2025 – Applications are reviewed
May 2025 – Students are notified
Now you are ready to apply
You’ve reviewed the eligibility guidelines, you’ve requested your most recent transcripts, gathered your financial documents, and have contacted your potential references — great! Now it’s time to work on your application.
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.