Vicky’s Scholarship Fund
June 7th, 2026 (THOUSAND OAKS) – On a bright Sunday afternoon, 38 scholars stood in a room of friends, family, and Many Mansions staff, all of whom were beaming with pride. The scholars were there to accept Vicky’s Scholarship Fund awards—some for the first time, others for the second, third, or fourth—and to share this special moment in community.
A diverse group, these 38 students ranged from high school seniors to single parents, to actual seniors. They were united by a shared dream: to pursue their passions through education, eventually creating a more stable and expansive life for themselves. Vicky’s Scholarship Fund, now in its fourteenth year at Many Mansions, distributes funding to students who are seeking higher education and career training. This year, a total of $52,000 was awarded through the fund, all of which will advance the continuum of educational support that Many Mansions provides for any and all residents who want to learn.
The fund is named for Vicky Garcia, a longtime educator whose lifelong mission to support and encourage students made her a source of unconditional love for many people who needed someone to believe in them. Vicky’s Scholarship Fund was created by Vicky’s son Marty Garcia, a former member of Many Mansions Board of Directors, in honor of his mother and her inspirational work with youth.
First year awardees included Marie Bombela, who will be pursuing a B.A. in Early Childhood Development, and Jose Duarte, whose goal is to become the first auto mechanic in the family. Marie is driven to work as a special education teacher after observing how her own kids, who have special needs, were helped by certified instructors. Jose, meanwhile, is a Teen Leader at Many Mansions who is attending both Oxnard and Moorpark College. Inspired by his father’s devotion to providing for his family, Jose aspires to open his own auto shop.
One fourth-year recipient was also selected for the Marty Garcia Award, which goes to a person who best exemplifies the virtues and spirit of Vicky Garcia. The award was presented to Elisapeta Vaka, who recently transferred to UC San Diego to major in Economics and Marketing. She completed an internship for Beats by Dre Headphones as a consumer analyst last winter, and plans to work in the entertainment field.
The event, which was graciously hosted by California Lutheran University at the Lundring Events Center, concluded with light refreshments. Students posed for photographs with their awards and congratulated each other on their remarkable achievement.