Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation has established a new scholarship program to support the next generation of Ventura County farmers and chefs.
The Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation 2024 Scholarship Fund aims to help support the next generation of Ventura County farmers and chefs.
The strength of the American food system depends on our agricultural industry and its ability to expand its education in the fields of Agriculture, Food Science and Culinary Arts. Totally Local VC is dedicated to educating our youth and community on the important role that Agriculture plays in our lives. Simply put, we educate from field-to-fork and field-to-career.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in Agriculture and Food Science are expected to grow by 7% from 2000 to 2028. These jobs play an integral and important role in increasing food production and ensuring that there is enough food to feed the world’s population, which is projected to increase to nearly ten billion people by 2050. The Bureau also reports the growing demand for workers with expertise in the Ag and food-related industries.
The recipients of the 2024 Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Scholarships were announced at a wonderful presentation August 9, 2024 at the Ventura County Fair. Learn all about the Scholarship Fund and this year’s deserving recipients in our article Totally Local VC’s Ag Scholarships Sow the Seeds of Our Future.
Perhaps no other intervention in the lives of young people makes as much intuitive sense as the concept of mentoring. This scholarship will take that a step further in helping students to elevate some of the financial burden as they work to achieve their educational goals.
– Kat Merrick, CEO & Founder, Totally Local VC

About the scholarship
Applications: Applicants must fill out and submit the application below to be considered for the scholarship. Applications may be submitted through June 5, 2024. No applications will be accepted after the closing date.
Amount: One $5,000 scholarship for educational financial assistance will be awarded in 2024.
Requirements for Applicants:
- Must have a GPA of 3.00 or above.
- Must be a High School senior attending school in Ventura County, California.
- Must be seeking a professional certification, associate, or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science or culinary arts.
- Must submit transcripts; a list of school activities, awards and achievements, community involvement, and work experience; and a letter of recommendation.
- Must submit a brief essay covering their career aspirations, goals for the next 5 to 10 years, most meaningful accomplishments and how they relate to their field of study and future goals, and explain how this scholarship will help to fund their education.
- Must clearly show participation in community service or extracurricular activities.
During the selection process, priority is given to first time applicants, students showing financial need, and applicants studying an agricultural or related field.
About Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation
Over the past 17 years, Totally Local VC has worked as an advisor for Agriculture and Culinary Arts programs at both high school and college levels. Through our Totally Local VC Agricultural and Culinary Mentorship & Internship Programs, we work together with area chefs and farmers to empower students to take the next step in their journeys toward achieving their educational and professional goals.
To grow and continuously raise the bar on our academic initiatives, Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation depends on community support. Funds raised from donations, sponsorships and events help to expand our programs and to continue our work with students. Totally Local VC’s programs help to prepare students for successful careers in Agriculture, Food Science and the Culinary Arts fields as well as creating a direct connection to possible future employers and educators. This investment goes beyond that of monetary support and gives us a firm foundation upon which we build the future agricultural leaders and chefs of tomorrow.
Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization.