The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation will link business to projects that help the Ventura regional community develop and prosper. The Foundation will convene community leaders to discuss critical topics. Because of its non-profit status, the Foundation will attract tax-deductible contributions to accomplish its goals.

The Foundation’s leaders recognize that the challenges and opportunities faced by Ventura are common to many small communities in California. By developing, implementing and evaluating promising and proven programs and by convening community leaders and fostering partnerships, the Foundation has an important role to play as it confronts the complex concerns that come with growth and change.

Programs:

Leadership Ventura was established in 1994 to develop the future leaders of Ventura. Each year a new class is formed. Participants complete a nine-month course that includes: Leadership Training; Economic Development and Tourism; Arts and Culture; City, County, and State Government; Regional Commerce; Health and Human Services; Media and Communications; Education; and Public Safety. Each class creates teams to develop and implement a community improvement project before graduation. The program has graduated 110 community leaders over its decade-long history. The program is sustained through participant tuition and grants.

Principal for a Day allows business leaders to get a close look at the challenges and responsibilities of school principals. An average of 30 business leaders takes advantage of this program annually. Sponsorships are available when the program is being promoted.

How to Do Business with Public Agencies provides businesses with important information and key contacts by bringing them together with purchasing agents from the Ventura Unified School District, Ventura County School District, Community College District, California State University at Channel Islands, City of Ventura, County of Ventura and several state and federal agencies. For a complete list please click on the link from above. The chamber and foundation joined forces with Assemblyman Pedro Nava in 2007. This annual program is designed to provide a benefit to the business community for their support of education. Sponsorships are available when the program is being promoted.

Coastal Marine Biolab (CMB) is located in the heart of Ventura Harbor and offers innovative, inquiry based science experiences to prepare high school students for entry into the biotechnology workforce and to give them a competitive edge for college and university admissions. The 9-day Integrative Biosciences Program includes: Applied laboratory of field training under the mentorship of research scientists, scuba certification by diving professionals, science-based field excursions to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, nine days accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express (within a short walking distance from CMB), meal plan from participating Ventura Harbor restaurants. The CMB is seeking grant opportunities to provide scholarships for high school students.

The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation is a proud business partner and donor for the IMPACT II Teacher Grant program, co-sponsored by the Ventura County Office of Education, the Ventura County Star in Education Foundation and Ventura County Economic Development Association.  This year's recipient of a $500 grant was Ashley Johnson, Ventura Charter School for her unit entitled "African Trickster Tales".  Over $15,000 was awarded to Ventura County teachers  at an awards dinner on May 12.

Programs for future consideration (provided by VCEF or the Chamber):

Ventura City Corps is a proposed youth development program involving 12-24 year old, at-risk, marginalized and other interested youth with community projects and services; bringing quality service to the community and providing work ethic, fellowship, self esteem and leadership to the youth; allowing them to organize and manage those projects. There are educational components to encourage continuing formal education and to enhance leadership abilities and opportunities for the older youth to earn wages.

Ventura Film Office to disseminate information on filming/production opportunities in the City of Ventura. This program would require experienced staffing. Research is currently underway to establish the film office and is targeted for completion in the 4th quarter of 2007. This program has had a board of advisors from the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Kaiser Permanente, Ventura Port District, Technology Development Center, City of Ventura, Economic Development Collaborative, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Brooks Institute of Photography, Mind Control and CAPS TV.

For more information on the Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation or to become involved please contact the Chamber at info@ventura-chamber.org or call 805-676-7500.