Minority Scholarship Program Seeks Funds

A group of Ventura County’s most successful minority business leaders is starting a scholarship program to assist minority students who want to attend college or vocational school.

The Ventura County Minority Business Group, formed two years ago by Ventura County National Bank, seeks to raise $25,000 for the scholarship fund by May 31.

The bank and nine of the group’s members have already donated $13,000 toward the goal.

Scholarships will be awarded to minority students who plan to attend four-year universities and those who want to attend two-year vocational schools.

The group awarded its first scholarship last year to Rosa Armendariz of Camarillo, a graduate of St. Bonaventure High in Ventura. She received a $4,000 grant to attend Stanford University.

But the business group was frustrated because of the large number of applicants who were well-qualified.

“We realized there were many other students who could have used the assistance,” said Al Limon, the bank’s liaison to the minority business community.

“We would have given more scholarships, but we didn’t have the money to give.”

Richard C. Cupp, the bank’s chief executive officer, said the experience prompted the group to raise more money to enlarge the scholarship program.

“We have decided to take a major step in increasing the number of scholarships,” he said. “We are pleased that so many business leaders have stepped up to the table and given money to support the program.”

Members represent some of Ventura County’s most successful minority-owned businesses. They include P. William Anderson, an Oxnard physician; George Baldonado, president of Oasis Technology of Camarillo; Porfirio Campos Jr., president of Alamo Enterprises of Camarillo; Javier Castro, president of Bilingual Educational Services of Oxnard; Al Plascencia, owner of KXLM Radio in Oxnard, and Al Rosales, president of Thermal Heating Inc. of Saticoy.

For information about the scholarship fund, contact Al Limon at 482-3640.