Scholarship Fund Set for Foster Children

Hoping to give foster children a leg up when the law forces them out on their own at age 18, the Ventura County Public Social Services Agency has set up a scholarship fund, an official said this week.

The fund will offer financial aid to foster children who by law must leave home at 18, but who lack money to support themselves and continue their education, said Barbara Fitzgerald, the agency’s chief deputy director.

The agency is building the fund on a $5,000 donation left by the estate of Thomas J. (Johnny) Donovan, a longtime Ventura County resident who wanted children to benefit from the inheritance, Fitzgerald said.

The program is to be called the TEACH Fund, which stands for Training and Education for Achievement by Children.

Fitzgerald said the agency is seeking donations to the fund, and is hoping to draw from interest earned to pay for future scholarships.

The donations are being managed by the Ventura County Community Foundation, she said.

Foster children interested in the scholarships must file applications by June 15, and the agency will award money in July, Fitzgerald said.