Rotary Club of Ojai helps local students realize their dreams by providing over $65,000 in college and vocational scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors through its Educational Foundation (RCOEF).
 
It also supports school programs for students as they prepare themselves for good jobs and to become good citizens. 
That’s why Rotary Club of Ojai is especially interested in the new Career Technical Education Program at Chaparral High School, funded through the Ventura County Innovates grant.  Chaparral students can take classes in Horticulture, and in Graphic Design and Product Printing. In addition to providing valuable skills that can lead to employment, students can also get college credit at Ventura College upon successful completion of these classes. 
“All students aren’t cut out for the traditional academic path to college and a career, but are highly motivated when they are learning a skill that they enjoy,” says Becky Beckett, Dean of Students and Director of Alternative Education at Chaparral High School.  She hopes that they can expand the technical education program with additional classes next year.
Rotary Club of Ojai donated a much-needed tool shed and a green house for Chaparral’s horticulture vocational program.  It is also arranging for local representatives to speak with Chaparral students about opportunities in areas of work most available in the Ojai Valley: building trades, independent small businesses, hospitality, and health care. 
 High school seniors graduating in June from all schools in the Ojai Valley can apply for vocational and college scholarships funded by the Rotary Club of Ojai Educational Foundation.  Scholarships may be used at community colleges, vocational or technical training schools, or to purchase tools or equipment required for training programs, in addition to four-year colleges and universities. Applications are due by March 18, 2016, and can be found at www.ojairotary.org, then follow the link to Ojai Rotary Ed Foundation.
 
 
Students in Horticulture Career Technical Education Program at Chaparral High School
Left to right:  
Shane Ortiz
Justin Morter
Hannah Johnson
Sara Ignacio
Daniel Lindsey
Wyatt Heuser
Keegan Scarminach