As the year comes to a close, seniors are already receiving college acceptance letters and are rushing to register to the colleges of their dreams.

However, the intense financial commitments colleges require can be off putting to some and can discourage others to not to register.

To combat this issue, Venice High’s Alumni Association has been offering scholarships to students for close to 25 years to help relieve students of their financial burdens.

Around $135,000 of Alumni Association scholarships are projected to go to students this year, ranging from $2,000 dollars to $16,000 depending on the student’s need. 

“We give out scholarships for just about any avenue of college you want to pursue,” said Norma Nunez-Mascarenas, the president of the Alumni Association.

However, these scholarships have certain application requirements that may prohibit some students from applying.

According to the Alumni Association, applicants have to be seniors who have been enrolled in Venice for at least three years in order to be considered eligible for a scholarship. 

Additionally, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, a full time student, submit financial information to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and be available to attend the mandatory Senior Awards Night. If an applicant does not accept their award in person, the award will be given to someone else.

Applicants for the scholarships must have their FAFSA Student Aid Report and their personal essay, though letters of recommendation are heavily encouraged. 

Despite these restrictions, Nunez-Mascarenas wants to emphasize that these scholarships are open to anyone eligible, regardless of academic ability.

Senior Nohemy Palomar said that these scholarships are going to help her and other seniors financially in the future.

“A lot of future college students like myself haven’t really decided where we are going to go because of the costs,” she said. “These scholarships are going to help me be able to go to the school of my dreams.”

Senior Adriana Aceves echoes these sentiments.

“I really want to be able to focus on my studies and not have to worry about the financial aspect,” she said.

Alumni Association scholarships are exclusively for Venice students, according to college counselor Sarah Carrillo-Sarr, who manages FAFSA applications with college counselor Renysha Scott. 

“You don’t have to worry about competing with students from across the country for a scholarship,” she said. “Venice seniors have a greater chance of receiving the financial benefits.”

Aceves encourages any eligible senior to apply.

“I think this is a really important opportunity for anyone who may need it,” she said.

For more information about the application process, visit the Venice High Alumni Association’s website for specifics on the registration process and personal essay requirements.