City of Vernon CommUNITY Fund

The Vernon CommUNITY Fund (VCF) Scholarship Program is an initiative by the City of Vernon, California, to support youth in the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) area who are pursuing post-secondary education. This initiative forms part of the Vernon City Council’s broader commitment to enriching the local community through funding programs that directly improve quality of life. With a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and community investment, the scholarship program provides financial assistance to high school seniors in the Vernon Area planning to attend trade schools, community colleges, or universities. The scholarship’s geographic focus includes Vernon and surrounding cities and neighborhoods: Maywood, Commerce, Bell, Huntington Park, Boyle Heights (a part of the City of Los Angeles), and East Los Angeles (unincorporated). Eligible applicants must be high school seniors residing within these areas. The program's intent is to increase educational attainment and career readiness among local youth, aligning with the City’s mission to uplift SELA through strategic educational investments. VCF scholarships are awarded based on a competitive application process reviewed first by a third-party consultant specializing in ethical grantmaking and charitable fund administration. Final decisions are made by the VCF Grant Committee, a city-appointed board that includes a Vernon Council Member, legislative representatives, local residents, and business members. The review process assesses each student’s eligibility, educational goals, and commitment to community betterment. For the 2025 cycle, applications are currently open and will be accepted through Thursday, March 27, 2025. Interested students are encouraged to download the application from the Vernon CommUNITY Fund website. Required materials and eligibility details are outlined within the application packet. The scholarship is suitable for students targeting various types of post-secondary institutions, including trade schools, community colleges, and universities. While the exact funding amount per student is not specified publicly, the program has historically contributed to the success of numerous students from SELA-area high schools, including Bell High School, Garfield High School, and Boyle Heights STEM Magnet High School. The program also accepts tax-deductible donations to expand its reach and impact. Contributors and applicants can contact the City of Vernon via CityAdmin@CityofVernon.org or by phone at 323-583-8811. The VCF Scholarship is part of a broader portfolio of community investments overseen by the Vernon CommUNITY Fund, which also includes over $5 million in grant

Emphasize local residency, clarity of post-secondary goals, and adherence to application instructions.