VENTURA, Calif. - s4story -- The Ventura College Foundation presented 439 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year totaling $670,406 during its 34th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 18, at the Ventura College Athletic Center.

Of the 235 scholarship recipients, many received multiple scholarships with an average amount of $2,417 for continuing students and $3,557 for students transferring to four-year universities in the Fall. At minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship.

Scholarship recipients come from all different backgrounds with different education and career goals.

Three-scholarship recipient Mea Ann Alanes, 26, was born in the Philippines. A first-generation college student, she will be attending the University of California, Santa Barbara this year pursuing a double major in Sociology and Anthropology. A single mother and former foster youth, she has overcome her share of challenges including food and housing insecurity.

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"Scholarships are critical for students in their ability to continue their education," says Nicole Kreutz, incoming chair of the Ventura College Foundation board of directors.  "Scholarship funds help offset tuition, books costs and other expenses. Every amount helps."

For Richard Clark, 36, his college journey began after seven years in the U.S. Army and then as a personal trainer. He enrolled at Ventura College thinking he might study physical therapy. "I needed to add credits so I took a criminal justice course and loved it," says Clark. "That changed everything." Clark will transfer this year to CLU majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Cyber Security. He hopes to intern with the FBI.

Jimmy Flores, 23, grew up in a tight-knit Latino community in Santa Paula. He attended Santa Paula High School. "Soccer is a big deal in town and I was fortunate to be on the school's team," says Flores. "After graduation, I didn't want to disconnect right away so I began volunteering as an assistant coach. I found that I enjoy teaching and encouraging teenagers. It's very rewarding."

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Flores plans to become a physical education high school teacher and coach. He will be attending Cal State Northridge in the Fall, majoring in Kinesiology with a Physical Education emphasis.

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include Edison International, Miracle Mile Advisors, Searle Creative, Bank of the Sierra, Ohana Pet Hospital, Trinity Wheeler Photography, HZ Main Events Design & Consulting, DJ's Catering, LetzChat, and L&T Catering.

For more about the Ventura College Foundation and donation opportunities, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org.