Guest column: Ventura College Foundation celebrates 40 years of helping students succeed
Over the past four decades, the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors, donors, staff leadership and campus partners have been trailblazers committed to opening doors to opportunity by breaking down financial barriers so Ventura College students can pursue their educational dreams.
Ventura College students come with a passion and drive to better their lives, yet many face financial barriers that interfere with their ability to achieve their goals. Of the 10,000 current student population, 52% is classified as extremely low-income or low-income.
Since its establishment in 1983, the VC Foundation has raised over $48 million to support Ventura College students and programs. This support comes in various forms, including scholarships, textbook and equipment lending, Basic Needs and emergency grants, as well as numerous campus programs. The foundation's efforts have been nothing short of groundbreaking. Notably, it pioneered the first community college Promise program in California, allowing full-time, first-time students to attend school tuition-free. Our Promise program served as a model and played a crucial role in the creation of the California College Promise Grant program.
Due to the generosity of private philanthropic support, we have empowered tens of thousands of Ventura College students to achieve their educational goals and to fulfill their dreams of a rewarding career, higher income, and a better quality of life.
Why is a community college education so important? According to the Foundation for California Community Colleges Facts and Figures (2022) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Nearly 51% of California State University graduates and 29% of University of California graduates transfer from a California Community College.
Occupations that typically require an associate degree for entry offer an average annual wage of almost $53,000, as opposed to an average annual wage of $36,100 for positions requiring only a high school education.
Students who earn a California Community College degree or certificate nearly double their earnings within three years.
Of course, more needs to be done. Community colleges are the least funded educational system in the state. K-12, UC and Cal State schools all receive significantly more funding per student so finding enough resources to serve community college students is a constant challenge.
Community colleges have been relatively slow to embrace philanthropy as a part of their mission. Many community colleges rely almost entirely on inconsistent state funding. Fortunately, 40 years ago, the Ventura County Community College District's Board of Trustees had the foresight to authorize the Ventura College Foundation as an independent nonprofit auxiliary organization of the district.
In 2022-23, the VC Foundation provided $809,995 in support to serve over 5,000 students and facilitated another $1.17 million for 68 Ventura College Programs from 16 departments/divisions. While these achievements are commendable, we still have more work to do.
A striking 55% of VC students are food insecure. Hunger makes it exceedingly difficult to focus on studies, yet our students persevere. During the pandemic, we escalated our financial commitment to the school's Basic Needs Office Food Pantry. Previously serving over 250 students weekly, this semester, they're assisting 250 students daily. Ensuring an ample food supply in the pantry removes a significant obstacle to educational success.
We must eliminate barriers, increase access to education, bridge equity gaps in academic achievement, and empower more students to thrive. What's advantageous for our students also benefits Ventura County. Our community colleges play a pivotal role in driving social and economic mobility in Ventura County and beyond. Alumni often chose to stay within the county, strengthening the local workforce and its overall development.
It has been a privilege to be part of this remarkable journey. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, it signifies not just a milestone but a promise to reach new heights together investing in student success.
Anne Paul King is the executive director at the Ventura College Foundation. Email her at aking@vcccd.edu.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura College Foundation celebrates 40 years of helping students
