Students who want to supplement their college funds with scholarships should know that financial awards may be closer than they think.

Lori Jay, Administrative Assistant and facilitator of the scholarships office, said the reality of scholarships is that many are available for those in need.

“Everyday students are looking for financial aid,” said Jay. “The more I am exposed to the different scholarships, the more I see that they are out there for everyone.”

Scholarships are available from the College Foundation as well as from outside foundations and donors. Moorpark College pushes students to seek every opportunity they can get.

The Ventura County Community Foundation on average awards 300 scholarships annually.

Darlene Melby, Moorpark’s College Business Manager, broke down what Moorpark’s “open access” approach means for interested students.

“Requirements can be set by donors and when you apply you will be notified if you have met the criteria,” said Melby. Melby explained that last year there was a grand total of 143 outside and inside scholarships granted, averaging about $500 to $1000 each. 

Shandi Muirhead is an example of how scholarships can help and how accessible they really are.

Muirhead, a psychology major, has received two scholarships from VCCF for a grand total of $11,000.

“It takes the pressure off having to pay for things, ” said Muirhead “When books are $200 each and you have a full schedule, things start to get expensive.”

Her first scholarship came from the “James C. Basile” fund and required 3.0 GPA. Her second, the “TEACh Fund” scholarship, did not have a minimum GPA requirement.

“There really is no excuse for students not to know when there is so much information out there,” said Muirhead.

More scholarships will be available in the spring semester. Those who receive them will be invited to an awards ceremony held in May.