Every year the Oxnard College Scholars Program grants scholarships to 60 diligent high school students whose commitment to academic excellence and outstanding achievements exemplify OC’s scholastic devotion.
The OC Scholars Program is a Non-Profit Title V Program supported by the US Department of Education. The program is designed to promote university transfer success by providing a fast-track transfer regimen with cautious, constructive guidance and additional financial resources.
Diva Ward, Coordinator of the Title V Program, stresses the importance of transferring.
“We want to create a transfer climate for OC Scholars at Oxnard College,” said Ward.
Students exiting high school and planning to enroll at Oxnard College should plan on applying for a scholarship.
Eligibility is based solely on academic merit; financial necessity is not taken into account.
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship students must be enrolled at any Ventura County High School and must be graduating this school year.
Potential scholars must have attended high school at either: Camarillo HS, Channel Islands HS, Hueneme HS, Oxnard HS, Pacifica HS, Rio Mesa HS or Santa Clara HS. Students must include an official transcript with a cumulative minimum 3.00 GPA.
Scholars are expected to maintain their grades and are encouraged to participate in volunteer work.
Lucero Medrano, 19, Sociology Major, is a scholar serving her second and final year in the program.
“Diva wants all the scholars to know each other so she throws mixers throughout the year,” said Medrano. “That is how we all meet and make friends and volunteer.”
According to Medrano the scholars get priority registration and unlimited access to a computer lab designated to the scholars where they get to print and make copies for free.
To be eligible for continued funding, scholars must be enrolled as a full-time student; which equates to a minimum of 12 units per semester.
Scholars must complete and submit an application for admission, attend a mandatory scholar’s orientation and meet with a transfer counselor two times each semester.
Scholars must also attend two transfer / college workshops and turn in one faculty questionnaire each semester. In addition, they have to submit a student educational plan and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. A FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) application is also necessary.
Federal financial aid is not easy to secure and students who do not qualify for federal financial aid may still qualify for a scholarship. If students meet the eligibility requirements then the Oxnard College Foundation agrees to pay their costs for two years or six consecutive semesters.
The Oxnard College Scholars Program is funded by the Oxnard College Foundation; which is run by Connie Owens, Community Development and Institutional Advancement Specialist.
“The majority of the money that funds the program comes from our weekend community market at Oxnard College,” said Owens. “The vendors featured at the market come from all over and sell clothing, make-up, jewelry, flowers, toys and food.”
The application for the scholarships can be accessed online at OC’s web site: www.oxnardcollege.edu.
For any additional information regarding the OC Scholars Program please contact Diva Ward at [email protected].
