Ventura College Foundation Campuses

Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula focuses on agriculture, environmental sciences, and community-specific programs, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer courses tailored to the agricultural heart of Ventura County. This smaller campus provides specialized, hands-on education in rural settings.

• Agriculture and Natural Resources: Core courses in plant science, animal science, soil management, and agribusiness cover crop production, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. Students engage in field labs on citrus groves and vineyards, learning irrigation, horticulture, and farm mechanics.
• Environmental Science and Sustainability: Programs in environmental studies, water resources, and renewable energy address conservation, ecology, and climate change impacts on local agriculture. Fieldwork includes watershed monitoring and habitat restoration projects.
• Viticulture and Enology: Specialized training in grape growing, wine production, and sensory analysis prepares students for the wine industry, with access to on-site vineyards and fermentation labs.
• General Education for Transfer: Foundational courses in English composition, mathematics, biology, and social sciences support transfer to four-year institutions, with emphasis on agricultural-related electives.
• Workforce Development: Short-term certificates in agricultural technology, equipment operation, and food safety meet immediate industry needs, including pesticide application and dairy science.
• Health and Community Services: Basic courses in nutrition, health education, and emergency response serve the local population, with partnerships for community health outreach.
• Business for Agriculture: Accounting, marketing, and economics tailored to agribusiness, including farm management and supply chain logistics.
• Kinesiology and Recreation: Outdoor education and physical activity courses leverage the natural surroundings for environmental fitness and adventure programming.

The East Campus serves around 500 students per year, emphasizing practical skills through experiential learning in real-world agricultural environments. Facilities include greenhouses, demonstration farms, and modern classrooms equipped for digital agriculture tools like GIS mapping and drone technology.

Programs align with regional economic drivers, such as the Santa Paula citrus industry and wine tourism. Transfer pathways to Cal Poly and UC Davis facilitate advanced studies. Support includes advising for non-traditional students, ESL classes, and dual enrollment for high schoolers. The curriculum promotes sustainable practices, integrating organic farming and biodiversity conservation. Community events like harvest festivals enhance engagement. This campus bridges education with the local economy, fostering careers in agronomy, environmental policy, and rural development while upholding Ventura College's commitment to accessible, quality education.

Ventura College Main Campus offers a comprehensive array of associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs designed to prepare students for careers or further education. The campus emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement across various disciplines.

• Business and Technology: Courses in accounting, business administration, computer information systems, and office technology equip students with practical skills for administrative and entrepreneurial roles. Programs include entrepreneurship, marketing, and real estate.
• Health Sciences: Training in nursing, dental hygiene, radiologic technology, and emergency medical services provides foundational knowledge for healthcare professions. Clinical simulations and partnerships with local hospitals enhance practical experience.
• Liberal Arts and Humanities: Offerings in English, history, philosophy, and foreign languages foster critical thinking and communication skills essential for transfer to four-year universities.
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Psychology, sociology, anthropology, and child development courses explore human behavior and societal structures, supporting careers in education, counseling, and social work.
• Science and Mathematics: Biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics programs include lab-based learning for STEM pathways, with options for environmental science and geology.
• Arts and Communication: Visual arts, music, theater, and journalism courses encourage creative expression through studios, performances, and media production facilities.
• Public Safety and Legal Studies: Fire technology, administration of justice, and paralegal studies prepare students for law enforcement, firefighting, and legal support roles with scenario-based training.
• Education and Kinesiology: Teacher preparation, early childhood education, and physical education courses support future educators and fitness professionals.

Additionally, the campus provides career technical education in automotive technology, welding, and construction management, featuring state-of-the-art workshops. Workforce development programs offer short-term certificates in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and sustainable agriculture. Transfer agreements with UC and CSU systems ensure seamless progression. Support services include tutoring, counseling, and online/hybrid options to accommodate diverse learners. With over 100 programs, the campus serves approximately 12,000 students annually, promoting equity and lifelong learning in Ventura County.

Extracurricular opportunities in student clubs and internships further enrich the educational experience, aligning with industry needs. The curriculum evolves with community input, incorporating emerging technologies like AI and renewable energy. Faculty expertise and small class sizes ensure personalized instruction, making this campus a cornerstone of accessible higher education.