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At Cabrillo EDC, we strongly believe in the transformative power of education. We recognize that financial limitations can impede students from accessing a top-notch education. That’s why we proudly offer a solution in the form of the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund. Through this scholarship fund, we have provided crucial support to numerous outstanding students who would have otherwise faced significant challenges paying for their education.

Thanks to your generous support, we have collectively made a tangible impact on the lives of young individuals in our community. It brings us immense joy to celebrate their accomplishments and share the inspiring stories of past scholarship recipients who have excelled academically and professionally with the invaluable assistance of this fund.

David Avina, a grateful recipient of the Rodney Fernandez scholarship, recognized its significant impact on his educational journey. With the scholarship funds, David was able to invest in essential tools for his studies, such as a high-quality computer and printer. Furthermore, the financial assistance provided by the scholarship helped relieve the stress of everyday expenses, allowing him to focus on his academics. Most importantly, winning the scholarship served as a motivating force for David, pushing him to strive for excellence in his studies.

Dayana Flores Reyes is finishing her second year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Over the summer, she is interning with Balfour Beatty Construction and working on constructing the new Del Sol High School in Oxnard. She also takes community college classes at Oxnard and Ventura College this summer. Dayana shares, “ I am really trying to pay for as much of my college tuition and expenses as possible so my parents do not have to worry about it. The Scholarship allowed me to start the year by being able to pay for some of my expenses and lifted a weight off my shoulders and my parent’s shoulders. I am very grateful for the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarship. “

Crystal acknowledges the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarship for playing a significant role in her academic achievements. It provided financial assistance to cover her college expenses and purchase essential school supplies. This support brought her closer to her ultimate goal of university graduation. Crystal valued the opportunity greatly, considering that her immigrant parents, who work in the fields, could not provide the substantial financial support required for college. The scholarship had a profound and positive impact on her educational journey.

The RFLF scholarship provided Bryan with the opportunity to pursue the Student Trustee position for the Ventura County Community College District. Through this program, he gained invaluable firsthand experience as a governing board member. The scholarship enabled him to attend training sessions and dedicate time to learning about governance without worrying about meeting basic needs. Additionally, the scholarship assisted him in purchasing a new computer and school supplies.
In 2022, Bryan transferred from Ventura College to the University of California, Berkeley, with High Honors. He began his first year studying political science, focusing on political theory. Recently, he successfully completed his first year and is now preparing to participate in the UCDC program, where he will intern in Washington, DC, this fall.

Anthony used the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarship to buy books and cover his tuition for his first year in college. He is in his 4th year of college and on track to go to law school after completing his bachelor’s degree in Politics at Saint Mary’s College of California.

The RFLF scholarship helped Daniella pay for her room and board during her sophomore year at UCLA. This was a gift as it allowed her to focus on academics and extra-curricular activities. She is currently a Psychobiology major at UCLA and is applying to dental schools next year. This summer, she is studying for the DAT exam, continuing to shadow dentists in the area, and volunteering for Mercy Housing California.

On campus, Denise is involved with UCLA’s Pre-Dental Society, where she served as Co-Public Relations Chair and will serve as Co-President her Senior year. She also works in the Economics Department at UCLA – where she assists the MQE team in finding job/internship opportunities for the graduate students in the program. In addition, she is also involved in the UCLA Bearden Research Lab, which aims to understand genetic, cognitive, and neurobiological risk factors for the development of adolescent-onset neuropsychiatric disorders.

As you can see, the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarships have gone to deserving students who have used the support to further their academic careers. David, Dayana, Crystal, Daniella, Anthony, and Bryan are all examples of how community support can allow young adults to reach their full potential. The fund has enabled these students to pursue their educational dreams. Their stories will demonstrate the fund’s value and how it takes a village. Each donation to the RFLF makes this possible. Your support of the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund can help us make a lasting difference in the lives of future Cabrillo EDC students, empowering them to achieve their dreams and positively impact their communities.