💙Know Your Rights🧡, Upward Scholars' Graduation Celebration, Summer Application Renewal, Know Your Rights, & more

Dear Upward,

We hope you and your loved ones are safe. Over the past week, we have witnessed yet another wave of fear and instability as immigrant communities—our families, neighbors, and friends—are once again targeted by unjust immigration raids, the erosion of due process, and the disregard for basic human and civil rights.

We want to be clear: Upward Scholars stands in solidarity with YOU—our immigrant students, families, and communities, whose lives and livelihoods are being disrupted and threatened. These actions are not only unlawful—they are inhumane.

At our core, we believe in dignity, justice, and the power of community. ALL immigrants, regardless of documentation, deserve protection, opportunity, and peace, not persecution. We will continue to fight alongside you, speak out with you, and hold space for your grief, your anger, and your courage.

To those feeling afraid: you are not alone. We are here, and we will not back down. We are all here to stay. Please stay safe and in community! 🧡💙

Read this newsletter, which includes critical Know Your Rights information and what to do in case of detention, our Graduation Celebration, Summer Application Renewal, and other community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

Everyone Has Rights, Know Them!

Save or Download this Information Here

All people are protected under the law, regardless of immigration status.

If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA) as soon as possible.
Know your rights. Keep the red card handy at all times. If you encounter ICE, remember you have constitutional rights. (You can download a red card here.) Upward Scholars also has physical red cards available for pickup at our office.
Have a plan for you and your family in case someone is detained. Find plan templates here.
Memorize a trusted person's phone number in case you are detained and do not have access to your phone.
Download and complete your Immigration Preparedness Toolkit here
Download and complete your Family Preparedness Plan here
DO NOT sign ICE documents or speak to any officers without an attorney present. Get advice from an attorney about your immigration options.
Find Free and Low-Cost Immigration Legal Service Providers here
Find more resources on the County’s Immigrant Service page here.

NOTE: This is for informational purposes, not legal advice.

2025 Graduation Celebration

Are you graduating this Spring? Upward Scholars needs to know which students are graduating or participating in the commencement ceremonies this Spring 2025 so that we can pay for your regalia and celebrate you at our Graduation Celebration in June!

If you are not yet graduating, we are pleased to invite you to our 6th Annual virtual Graduation Celebration!

Join us to celebrate over 40 of your peers' remarkable academic accomplishments on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3 to 4 pm.

When:

Sunday, June 22, 2025

3–4 pm

Where: via Zoom

Save this link for easy access: https://bit.ly/GraduationCelebration2025

Upward Scholars' Summer 2025 Application

The Upward Scholars Summer 2025 Applications are open! We shortened the application, and you will be required to complete the Impact Survey if you have not already. If you plan to take summer classes, apply now for the Summer 2025 Semester (due June 16) to continue receiving our support and benefits.

If you have any questions, contact Programs Coordinator Alma Noriega at alma@upwardscholars.org or (650) 254-6193.

Emotional & Spiritual Counseling with Reverend Gerardo García Palacios

Upward Scholars offers students and their families free spiritual and emotional counseling with Rev. Gerardo García Palacios. People of all beliefs are welcome, and Rev. Gerardo is bilingual in English and Spanish.

To schedule a session with Rev. Gerardo, email him at pastorgarcia1679@outlook.com or call/text him at (650) 387-9174.

Community Opportunities

La Selva Community Clinic

La Selva Community Clinic offers a comprehensive range of care, including psychiatry, counseling, case management, and more—all at no cost to uninsured or underinsured adults. Services are available in English and Spanish.

To learn more and schedule an appointment, please contact Martha Zambrano at (650) 617-8350 or visit their office at 4139 El Camino Way, Palo Alto.

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector For Students in California

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides psychological support to undocumented students in California. It allows them to access their strengths and resiliency and focus on their personal goals and healing journey.

To qualify for services through the MHC, individuals generally need to meet the following criteria:

Have an undocumented status
Be enrolled at a California higher education institution
This includes any of the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), California Community Colleges (CCC) campuses, and private colleges and universities located in California.
Be in California during sessions
Have a tool for online sessions (phone, laptop, etc.)
Be between the ages of 18 and 45
Have no health insurance or means to pay out-of-pocket
Feel comfortable conversing in English

Clients will receive approximately 28 telehealth (online) sessions as part of the program’s commitment to providing accessible mental health support. While these are the standard guidelines, the MHC may accommodate those who fall outside this criteria upon request and availability of volunteer therapists.

Learn more here. Ready to sign up? Fill out this screening questionnaire.

CORA’s Family-Centered Mental Health Services

CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. Their services are designed to provide safety, support, and healing, from counseling to emergency housing to legal assistance.

They have a general mental health program, one focused on the LGBTQ+ community, and a First 5 and children’s program. If you are overcoming intimate partner abuse, CORA is there to help! Visit their website or call their 24-hour emergency hotline at (800) 300-1080 for support.

Employment Opportunities

Sequoia District Adult School (SAS) Job Board

SAS has a job board to help students like you find jobs. There are a variety of positions in various industries. Visit their website to learn more.

Scholarship Opportunities

The following is a list of external scholarships with upcoming deadlines. Click on the links to learn more about each scholarship.

NOTE: If you need help applying to any of these, contact Programs Director Diana Viscarra at diana@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.

Immigrants Rising List of Scholarships and Fellowships

Immigrants Rising has curated this list of scholarships and fellowships that don't require proof of U.S. citizenship. The list has general application eligibility requirements, including education level, region/state, and immigration status. Use the filters to find scholarships that could be right for you.

Click here to find an array of scholarships specific to your major or area of study.

If you know of any other job or scholarship opportunities with deadlines in the next few weeks or months, please email the information to Jessica, Marketing & Development Manager, at jessica@upwardscholars.org so she can share them with all Upward Scholars students.

Onward & upward,

Upward Scholars Team

Our Programs Team

Contact our Programs Team with any questions regarding our programs and services.