The Ventura College Foundation distributed a record $940,854 in scholarships to students during its 36th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony held May 17 at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.

The foundation presented 435 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the highest distribution amount in the organization's more than 40-year history.

Of the total awarded, $885,800 went toward 413 general scholarships and $55,054 supported 22 paramedic and other career scholarships. The funds benefited 269 student scholarship recipients, many receiving multiple awards.

"The cost of college is a barrier to many who want to receive an education that will lead to well-paying and rewarding careers," said Nicole Kreutz, chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors. "Scholarships can be a huge help. Many of our students face incredible adversity yet still excel and stay focused on their education goals. Everyone can learn and be inspired by them.”

Kamea Kellner, president of the Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC), received the Academic Senate and the Westside scholarships. Kellner is a first-generation college student majoring in Business Administration. She plans to transfer to a four-year university in Fall 2026.

“Receiving a scholarship means so much to me. As a student from a low-income family, it has always been challenging to solely focus on my studies. I've needed to provide not only for myself but my family as well,” says Kellner. “The honor of receiving a scholarship helps alleviate that worry, and gives me some peace of mind on the financial side, affording more time to pursue my educational career.”

Continuing students receive an average of $2,100 in scholarships while students transferring to four-year universities receive an average of $2,480. At a minimum, each student receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Jose Garcia is a Marine veteran. His career goal is to work within Ventura County’s Human Services Agency Farmworker Resource Program. “Going back to school after the military has been such an unexpected turn in my life,” says Garcia. “I was never the type of student to care for school or grades but now that has all changed. With a welcoming community and thoughtful professors, I am now a focused student with ambitions of earning my master's degree.”

Garcia received the Kada Family and the Lucia Tebbe Memorial Phoenix scholarships. Phoenix scholarships are for those students who have renewed their pursuit of a college education after time away.

Each year, the foundation’s Scholarship Review Committee evaluates applications following a specific scoring scale. Those who meet all the application requirements and have the highest scores receive scholarships.

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include AMR Gold Coast, Edison International, Searle Creative, Composition Wealth, Ventura Music Festival L&T Catering, Trinity Wheeler Photography, Montecito Bank & Trust, Feddersen & Company, LLP, LetzChat, Luners Production Services and Ed Summers.

Scholarship applications for the next academic year will be accepted beginning in the fall. For more about the Ventura College Foundation and donation opportunities, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org.