CONTRIBUTION

OC Foundation recognized at Montecito Bank & Trust Branch opening

The grand opening of the Montecito Bank & Trust Oxnard Branch was recently acknowledged and celebrated in front of a large group of community leaders, customers, and public officials. During the presentation, bank executives presented four local non-profit organizations with contributions. The OC Foundation was selected among the supported charitable organizations.

"We're honored to be selected as a recipient of Montecito Bank's generosity," says Pete Parker, OC Foundation Executive Director. "We've enjoyed a long-standing relationship and look forward to strengthening what's already a great relationship."

OC PRESIDENT

Building a brighter family for county's families

Interim Oxnard College President, Oscar Cobian, penned the following Op-Ed in the VC Star this week, describing the College’s work serving the community.

As we enter the new year, there’s much to be excited about at Oxnard College. After several years of COVID-related downturns, our college is surging ahead. From enrollment increases and new programming to local partnerships and national recognition, Oxnard College – along with our sister colleges in Moorpark and Ventura – is strongly positioned to serve Ventura County in 2024.

During the pandemic, our campus’ zip code was sadly the hardest hit in Ventura County. Sustaining the highest rates of infections, our community grappled with grief, layoffs and family responsibilities. As a result, Oxnard College saw our district’s largest loss of enrollments, with many students struggling to remain in school. Our campus will forever be shaped by that pain and loss even as we look ahead to a new chapter.

READ PRESIDENT COBIAN'S FULL LETTER

MARKETPLACE

Swap Meet Justice + Ventura County Mobile Library visit the Marketplace

Last Sunday's Oxnard College Community Marketplace attracted over 2,000 people who enjoyed the experience of shopping, food vendors and connecting with over 30 community organizations. As is customary with the last Sunday of the month, the Swap Meet Justice Citizenship and Resource Fair provided invaluable complimentary services to community members. This event welcomed the Ventura County Mobile Library, upon the recommendation of Supervisor Kelly Long. Serving an important outreach role as the first bookmobile service in California dating back to 1924, the Ventura County Library continues its mission of connecting the community with library and learning resources and services.

STEM ALUMNI

New Year, Old Friends STEM Alumni event - February 6 at 6pm

The OC STEM Alumni Association will welcome alumni and students to its first social gathering of 2024 on February 6 at 6pm in Oxnard College's room AA-101.

Food and refreshments will be provided for attendees as they enjoy friendly camaraderie, share mentorship, and connect with the next generation of STEM professionals.

RSVPs are accepted, but not mandatory to attend the free event.

Interested in joining the OC STEM Alumni Association? Join us on Tuesday for this event!

OC ALUMNI

Where are Condor Alumni Today?

Among the most frequently asked questions in the OC Foundation office are where alumni currently reside and what they're doing in their careers? We hope to answer the questions voiced by students, faculty, and OC alumni when they visit the office. Most are asking because they're looking for basic advice, mentorship, and job opportunities.

If you're an Oxnard College alumnus, please let us know what you're doing these days by completing a simple Alumni Update.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Transfer Scholarship Application Deadline is February 29th!

Oxnard College students who plan to transfer to a four-year university in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 will need to complete the OC Foundation Scholarship Grants Application by February 29th at 11:59pm. Since 2024 is a leap year, students have that extra day in February, though don't wait until the last minute and miss this opportunity!

The OC Foundation awards over $250,000 in scholarship grants to Oxnard College recipients every year. The online application process has been simplified and streamlined again, with SmartLogic built into the application to make the experience easy for students. OC Foundation is also offering in-person drop-in sessions at the OC Foundation Office (A-132) as an added service this year.

Interested in an application demo or would like to learn the tips and tricks for writing a compelling and moving essay? Join us for OC Foundation Fridays with our workshops - offered both in-person and via Zoom. Students can sign up through our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oxnardcollegefoundation.

Scholarship Reviewers Wanted - Join the Club!

Perhaps the greatest impact a volunteer can provide through the OC Foundation is by reviewing and scoring scholarship applications. We saw a 232% increase in applications last year and anticipate a similar increase for the 2024/2025 application cycle. With an average of 4-5 hours total, Scholarship Reviewers will receive the training, support, and tools they need to be a part of a committee - reading our students' stories and helping us award $250k in scholarship grants.

There will be three rounds of review this year:

1. Transfer applications - March
2. Continuing/Returning applications - June
3. Entering applications - July

Details about scholarship applications and reviews are featured at:

www.oxnardcollegefoundation.org/scholarships

UPCOMING EVENTS

Key Events

Community Marketplace - February 4 (cancelled), 11, 18, 25

OC STEM Alumni Social - February 6

Swap Meet Justice Citizenship Fair - February 25

LatinoGDP Presentation - April 17

Oxnard College Family Fest - April 28*

OC Transfer Recognition Ceremony - May 8*

OC Athletic Alumni Association Hall of Fame Banquet - May 11*

Oxnard College Alumni Celebration and Graduation - May 16*

* details will be posted on the OC Foundation website soon

Upcoming OC Foundation board meetings:

OC Foundation Finance Committee Meeting - March 6

OC Foundation Executive Committee Meeting - March 11

OC Foundation Full Board Meeting - March 18

Details for these events can be found at: www.oxnardcollegefoundation.org/ocevents