Scholarships Offered for Public Service

Citizens for Youth in Ventura County, a nonprofit Camarillo-based group, is encouraging college-bound high school students with an outstanding track record in public service to apply for its $1,000-a-year scholarships.

The Shig Yabu scholarships are for up to four years of university tuition or two years of junior college tuition.

While academic achievement and financial need are considered, the main criterion is community service, said board member Annette Okamoura.

“What we are looking for are those gentle souls who are the hidden heroes and do their work behind the scenes,” Okamoura said.

Membership in student government and participation in a long list of service organizations are not necessary, Okamoura said. “If you are the kind of person who has volunteered out of your own initiative, don’t be afraid to apply,” Okamoura said.

The scholarships are geared to students at Adolfo Camarillo High School and Rio Mesa High School, but students from other schools will be considered, Okamoura said.

The organization has given more than $30,000 in scholarships since 1986, and past recipients have gone to Harvard, UC Berkeley, New York University and other prestigious institutions, Okamoura said.

Money for the scholarships comes from private donors and is raised by members of the organization. The fund was set up to honor the service of Shig Yabu, who headed the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club for many years.

The deadline for applications is May 15. For more information contact Citizens for Youth in Ventura County at 482-3545 or 389-1620.