Veterans Textbook Program (Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library)

Veterans Textbook Program

Program Name: Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library

Geographic Scope: Ventura College, Ventura County, CA

Focus Areas: Textbook support for veteran students and dependents of veterans

Background: Funded by donors in Ventura County who are passionate about helping veterans excel academically. Program provides textbook stipends over an academic year (three consecutive semesters) at Ventura College. Previous recipients are eligible to receive stipends again.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently enrolled at Ventura College
• U.S. Veteran (includes U.S. National Guard) OR Dependent of a Veteran
• Enrolled in minimum of 6 units at VC
• Applied for financial aid (FAFSA) and included VC in application
• Maintain Good Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Award Amounts (per semester):

• Full-time students (12+ units): $500/semester
• ¾-time students (9-11.9 units): $375/semester
• Part-time students (6-8.9 units): $250/semester

Duration: Maximum of 3 consecutive semesters; funding prorated based on actual enrollment

Program Requirements:

• Students must donate one purchased textbook to the Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Lending Library each semester while receiving funding
• Goal is to build lending library and support future VC veteran students
• Textbooks must be purchased (not rented)
• Students may purchase from VC Bookstore or any textbook resource

Benefits:

• Improves college-going rate among veterans and dependents of veterans
• Encourages full-time enrollment to maximize success opportunities
• Builds shared resource library for future veterans

Contact Information:

• Micsin Martinez
• Email: micsin_martinez1@vcccd.edu
• Phone: 805.289.6161
• Ventura College Foundation
• Mailing Address: 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003
• Physical Address: 71 Day Rd., Ventura, CA 93003
• Phone: 805-289-6461

Application Process

Steps to Apply:
1. Submit a FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid)
2. Include Ventura College on your FAFSA application
3. Maintain contact with the VC Financial Aid Office at 805-289-6369
4. Eligible students will be identified and notified

Important Notes:

To maximize opportunity to receive textbook stipends, you MUST submit FAFSA and include VC

Maintain regular contact with VC Financial Aid Office

Eligibility and grant amount re-evaluated at different intervals throughout semesters of support

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my grant?

You will receive your refund 4 to 21 days after payment appears on your MyVCCCD portal account

Timing depends on payment method chosen and class start date

Date on MyVCCCD portal is internal processing date ONLY, not disbursement date

Payment schedule reflects full-time enrollment assumption

If not enrolled full-time, amount prorated based on actual enrollment

VCCCD partners with BankMobile for financial aid refund delivery

What if I enroll in more units after receiving funding?

If enrollment moves you into a new bracket, you will receive difference between what already paid and what eligible for now

What if I drop courses after receiving funding?

If you stay in same bracket: no consequence

If you drop into lower bracket: you will be invited to pick up units needed to remain in original bracket

If you do not pick up needed units: you forfeit ability to receive future funding from this program

Where can I purchase textbooks with this funding?

May utilize VC Bookstore or any other textbook resource that fits budget

Do NOT rent textbooks with this funding

Must purchase textbook to donate to Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Lending Library

Contact for Questions

• Micsin Martinez
• Email: micsin_martinez1@vcccd.edu
• Phone: 805.289.6161