Sparked by Moorpark College Foundation Board members who've donated generously as individuals or through their companies, and the support of many college staff members, the Moorpark College scholarship awards should increase to more than $150,000 this year, an all-time high.

Foundation board member Deb Holler, vice president of Citibank, has secured $4,000 from the Citibank Foundation for reentry student scholarships. Board member Cole Minnick, CEO of California Oaks State Bank, has received a $2,500 donation from his bank for students in financial need. Board member Julie Abulafia continues her Abulafia Family scholarship, which offers junior-year tuition to arts and humanities majors transferring to CSU or UC. She's promised $50,000 this year.

Board member Vince Daly, community manager for North Park, has contributed $500. Board member Gavin Bradley, vice president of Telesis Community Credit Union, has pledged $1,000 from his company's foundation. Moorpark College president and foundation CEO Eva Conrad is sponsoring an annual scholarship for all Associated Student government leaders.

College staff members and faculty have developed numerous scholarships funded by payroll deduction or annual staff gifts.

Associated Students at Moorpark College,the student government association, donates $10,000 each year to the foundation for deserving students selected by the foundation's scholarship subcommittee.

Also, dozens of community organizations offer scholarships each year. To see the list of all current scholarship offerings, go to www.mooraprkcollege.edu/ scholar and click on "scholarship newsletter."

"Having a committed foundation board, generous faculty and staff and community organizations with the will and heart to support local students makes our program an ever-increasing success," said Margaret Ramos, scholarship technician.

The Moorpark College scholarship office, is open year-round to assist students with scholarship searches and applications. Staffed by Ramos, the office has information and applications for hundreds of scholarships funded by private foundations and public corporations nationwide.

Students are encouraged to apply for Moorpark College Foundation scholarships by Sat., April 1.

For more information on scholarships, call (805) 378-1418, or e-mail mramos@vcccd.net, or visit the website above.