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Council creates Lawrence E. Horner endowed scholarship; initial $26,020 authorized
Summary
Thousand Oaks authorized an endowed scholarship in the name of former Mayor Lawrence E. Horner and approved initial funding so the scholarship can award beginning in 2026; council directed staff to work with the Horner family and the Ventura County Community Foundation on final eligibility criteria.
The Thousand Oaks City Council on April 29 authorized an endowed scholarship honoring Lawrence E. Horner and approved an initial city contribution to the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) so the scholarship can begin awarding as early as the 2026 cycle.
VCCF staff told the council an endowed scholarship requires a $25,000 principal contribution to fund an ongoing $1,000 annual award; contributed funds are invested for a year before earnings become available. The foundation charges an annual administrative fee (1.5 percent) and manages the scholarship process including outreach, application collection, volunteer reading and distribution of awards.
Councilmember Gutierrez moved the action and the council amended and approved the funding level at $26,020 so the scholarship could be seeded and provide an initial award in the 2026 award cycle. Council directed staff to consult with the Horner family on final eligibility and selection criteria.
VCCF Scholarship process and timeline - VCCF opens scholarship applications annually (typically October–January). Applicants submit transcripts, references and a written application; each application is read by three volunteer readers. - After award notices and acceptance, recipients upload proof of enrollment and VCCF sends scholarship checks directly to the educational institution. - VCCF estimates timeline: if funds are provided by July 1, staff said the scholarship could be included in the next award cycle; otherwise the endowment must be invested for a year before awards are available.
Council discussion and next steps Councilmembers said they preferred the scholarship be responsive to local needs and asked staff to coordinate with the Horner family on eligible recipients. Suggestions discussed at the meeting included limiting eligibility to Thousand Oaks residents and allowing VCCF-staff and family input on grade-point and school-type criteria; council emphasized leaving final selection criteria to the foundation in consultation with the family.
Staff instructed to execute an agreement with VCCF, transfer funds by July 1 if possible, and bring final eligibility criteria back to council (likely on consent). VCCF officials said the foundation will handle outreach to school counselors and local colleges as part of established scholarship operations.
Speakers quoted are drawn from the meeting record and include Vanessa Bechtel and Kirsty Vollman of the Ventura County Community Foundation and Councilmember Gutierrez.
