VENTURA, Calif. - s4story -- The Ventura College Foundation distributed a record $1,163,994 in direct student assistance during the 2024-25 academic year and another $1.54 million to 56 college programs across 14 departments and divisions. The Ventura College Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and financial assistance to Ventura College students and programs.

As part of the distribution, the foundation provided $158,000 in gap funding for tuition costs for the Ventura College Promise program after state budget cuts. The program covers tuition and fees for eligible students for up to two years, serving 4,460 first-time, full-time Ventura College students in their first and second years during the 2024-25 school year.

"The Promise enables students to complete the first two years of college without the burden of tuition debt," says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. "With the rising cost of education, the Promise is a life changer." The foundation also allocated $30,000 to support the college's equipment lending library, enabling 3,764 students to check out textbooks at no cost.

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Scholarship awards totaled $945,746, with 435 scholarships awarded to 270 students.

"The Basic Needs Program helps alleviate food and housing insecurity and provides support for overall student wellness," King said. "These types of investments in our students' lives now mean our community will benefit as they become the next generation of workers and leaders."

Additional funding supported the Ventura College Basic Needs Program, including food pantries on the Ventura and Santa Paula campuses. Between 450 and 500 students visit the Basic Needs Centers daily, King said.

"Our scholarships are established by donors who are strong believers in education and the positive impact it can have on students' lives," says King. "The fact that the foundation can distribute nearly a million dollars to well-deserving students is the direct result of the dedication and commitment of our donors."

The foundation's 2024-25 Impact Report is available at https://venturacollegefoundation.org/foundation-impact. To learn how to donate to the Ventura College Foundation, click https://venturacollegefoundation.org/giving.