Ventura, Calif.—The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year.
November 29 is the application deadline for the Paramedic and Career Education scholarships. The deadline for all other scholarships is January 20, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be notified in April 2025 and receive their scholarship proceeds after August 1.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2024-2025 academic year and who have completed at least six units in the semester they submit an application, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“The cost of education is a barrier for so many of our students. Scholarships are often what gives students the ability to continue with their education,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director.
This school year, 421 scholarships were awarded totaling $636,017. Ventura College continuing students at the school received an average of $2,417 in scholarships while students transferring to four-year universities received an average of $3,557.

While most scholarships are available for any study focus, many are for students in specific STEM majors including engineering, environmental science, and computer sciences, in addition to health care, nursing, business and education. Phoenix scholarships are for non-traditional students, including active military and veterans, who have taken time off and are now returning to college to continue their education.

Foundation scholarships are possible because of annual contributions and scholarship endowments from the Ventura College Foundation board of directors, donors, and corporate partners. “Our scholarship funding program is one of the largest in the region. Because of the generosity of so many, thousands of students over the years have received a quality education that enables them to go on to successful careers, support their families and make an impact in their communities,” says King.
Online workshops to help with the application process are offered from October through January.

For more about Ventura College Foundation scholarships, workshop dates and other financial assistance, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org/scholarships or contact the foundation, at vcfoundation@vcccd.edu, 805-289-6461.

On Friday, October 18 at 7pm the Sespe Players club will host the opening of “The Jade Eye.”
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By Lisa Givan

Amidst the smoky backdrop of 1940’s Chicago, Hardboiled Private Investigator Dick Crane is searching for his big break. When sultry Della Finesse, played by the captivating Jo Becerra, enters his office, Crane becomes embroiled in the mysterious case of a missing priceless necklace, The Jade Eye. Returning to the stage is David Becerra, who plays Dick Crane with dry wit and charm and a knack for misinterpretation that keeps audiences laughing. Joining him is Jessie Givan as Friday, his straight-laced sidekick. With his neatly combed hair and tailored suit, Friday approaches each case with meticulous detail and unwavering commitment to logic and procedure which often leads to breakthrough moments in their investigations. The delightful Brandy Lengning is wise-cracking secretary, Vera. Her charming anecdotes and sharp observations steer Crane in the right direction- albeit sometimes through a tangle of juicy gossip. Providing the perfect foil is notorious mobster, Vic Shady, played by Josh Overton. Overton’s Shady attempts to portray a suave demeanor while oozing menace. Shady’s goons, Rocco and Tony contribute to the hilarity with their exaggerated bravado and clumsy antics.

The dialogue sparkles with sharp humor and clever one-liners, blending classic noir elements with modern wit. Join “The Sespe Players” and remain on the edge of your seat. The Jade Eye opens on October 18 at 7pm. Shows continue for two weekends, October 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 at 7pm with a matinee showing on October 20 at 2pm. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Concessions available for purchase. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at SespePlayers.org.

Don’t miss your chance to see Detective Crane and his guy Friday unravel the mystery of The Jade Eye!

(And their parents)

Picture a world with peace without limits, without wars and battles, where people are able to respect each other and live peacefully together in spite of all of our differences. Here is the opportunity to use your artistic ability to show what it might be like.

Are you 12, 13 or 14? If so, here is your chance to be awarded $5,000 if you win the Lion’s Club International Poster Competition. The theme this year is PEACE WITHOUT LIMITS. If you attend Fillmore Middle School, contact Ms. Gonzalez (the art teacher) for the deadlines and rules. If you attend other middle schools, contact Lynn Edmonds at (805)514-9719. The first step to be qualified for the international award is to participate in the Fillmore Lion’s Club contest. The winner goes to the district level and that winner advances to the international level. Here is your chance to show your skill and to speak up for peace around the world. Be sure to submit your work to Ms. Gonzalez or Lynn Edmonds before or on November 5. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your artist skill.

PARENTS: This is an opportunity for your youth to show her/his artistic ability to show our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limit. Please contact the people indicated above for more information!

(And their parents)

Picture a world with peace without limits, without wars and battles, where people are able to respect each other and live peacefully together in spite of all of our differences. Here is the opportunity to use your artistic ability to show what it might be like.

Are you 12, 13 or 14? If so, here is your chance to be awarded $5,000 if you win the Lion’s Club International Poster Competition. The theme this year is PEACE WITHOUT LIMITS. If you attend Fillmore Middle School, contact Ms. Gonzalez (the art teacher) for the deadlines and rules. If you attend other middle schools, contact Lynn Edmonds at (805)514-9719. The first step to be qualified for the international award is to participate in the Fillmore Lion’s Club contest. The winner goes to the district level and that winner advances to the international level. Here is your chance to show your skill and to speak up for peace around the world. Be sure to submit your work to Ms. Gonzalez or Lynn Edmonds before or on November 5. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your artist skill.

PARENTS: This is an opportunity for your youth to show her/his artistic ability to show our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limit. Please contact the people indicated above for more information!

Camarillo, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2024) — Educators from the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) gathered for a pivotal Community of Practice event at Ventura College on September 17. This collaborative meeting, entitled “Designing Equitable Dual Enrollment Pathways through Partnership,” brought together professionals from both systems to expand dual enrollment pathways in high schools.

With a focus on identifying courses that best meet the needs of local high school students and families, the event underscored the shared commitment to increasing access to higher education for all Ventura County’s students. These college courses, many of which can be embedded into the school schedule and held on the high school campus, provide an invaluable opportunity for students to earn credits while staying in their familiar school environment, at low to no cost.

“The Dual Enrollment Community of Practice has been an invaluable opportunity for collaboration,” said Melissa Johnson, VCCCD Director of Dual Enrollment. “By bringing together educators from both systems, we are not only strengthening our current programs but also identifying meaningful ways to expand access to college courses for high school students. We still have work to do, but the conversations today create a strong foundation for the future.”

Dual enrollment courses offered on high school campuses are a unique opportunity for students to take college-level classes at no cost, seamlessly integrated into their regular school day. These classes provide students with the chance to earn both high school and college credits without leaving campus or adjusting their schedules. Even better, the credits earned through these courses can transfer directly to programs at the Community Colleges of Ventura County, giving students a head start on their college education while still in high school.

“VCOE is excited to build on the success of year one of our Community of Practice, creating sustainable opportunities for meaningful engagement with our VCCCD educational partners,” said Lisa Salas Brown, VCOE Associate Superintendent. “Year two’s first convening brought together more than 100 participants, fostering collaboration, asking important questions, and expanding opportunities for our students to access college courses and dual enrollment programs across the county.”

For students and parents interested in learning more about dual enrollment opportunities, including how to enroll in college courses offered on their campus, contact your school counselor or visit www.vcccd.edu/dual-enrollment.

About Ventura County Community College District

The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 116-campus California Community College system and serves approximately 30,000 students annually. The District's three colleges—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, visit vcccd.edu.

About Ventura County Office of Education

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is committed to expanding access to quality education for all. VCOE provides fiscal, training, and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities. VCOE offers an extensive calendar of professional development and educational courses and seminars at a state-of-the-art conference center in Camarillo. They also operate schools that serve educationally disadvantaged students, provide career education programs, and coordinate countywide academic competitions.

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Pictured right are Ms. Anabelle and Ms. Hope. Photo and article credit Brandy Hollis.
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I have said it once and I will say it again, San Cayetano is a special place. Not only is Mrs. Rocha, the reigning principal, absolutely fabulous but so is her support staff. This year Ms. Anabelle is teaming up with Ms. Hope to support the front office. This team makes a dynamic duo! Remember to thank them for always going the extra mile for our kids! I know we appreciate their hard work! It takes a village! Thank you, Ms. Anabelle and Ms. Hope!