Some 15 high school and community college students received scholarships for participating in and completing the Youth Empowerment Summit at Oxnard College on Friday.

It was the first such workshop put on by United Way of Ventura County and the Young Leaders Society, with next year's summit scheduled for Moorpark College. About $6,000 was given out to provide assistance to students going on to accredited colleges and universities.

"We reached out to high school principals all over Ventura County to send one or two student representatives from their schools. We have invited young professionals to speak to the students and present other options for careers," said Pedro Alberto Chavez, campaign division director of United Way's Young Leaders Society.

Professionals under 40 spoke to about 30 students about their careers and educational paths. They discussed personal experiences and encouraged the students.

"There are so many things that you could be doing. Keep an open mind," said Chris Kunke, a lawyer from Nordman Cormany Hair and Compton LLP in Oxnard.

Leonardo Trebles of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects was in the Navy for nine years before returning to student life to become an architect. "I had an easy transition from Seabee construction to designing buildings," he said. "No one can ever take your education away. You can go anywhere with it.

"My message is not to give up. Keep furthering yourself. Change is the constant in this world. We have a job in Japan, you have to expand your thoughts of community and what it means. It's a global community," said Trebles.

"I didn't know what the heck I wanted to do," said Dr. David Lemons, owner of Chiropractic Wellness Center in Oxnard. He attended Santa Barbara City College and CSU Long Beach and was an avid volleyball player.

After suffering a back injury, he got chiropractic adjustments and decided that is what he wanted to do for a career. "Help people. Always give. What you give comes back to you 10 times," he told the students.

"I'm a first-generation college student," said Oxnard College student Aracely Flores. "This summit is a great opportunity. It enhances student education."

Henry Truong from Hueneme High School plans to attend UC Santa Barbara as a biology major. "This is a great program. It's the first time I've been to a leadership workshop," he said. "It's teaching me to stand out, step up. Leadership is an important role. Change is everything."