Progressing Toward Your Goals, Safety Net Emergency Funds, Scholarship Workshops, February Virtual Conversation Club, & more

Dear Upward,

Happy Black History Month! 🖤 We hope you stay safe and dry during these winter storms and settle into your classes this semester! Remember, Upward Scholars is here to help you meet your goals every step of the way.

Please read through this newsletter, which includes essential information about progressing toward your goals, Safety Net Emergency Funds, upcoming scholarship workshops hosted by Upward Scholars, the February virtual Conversation Club, and community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

Making Progress Toward Your Goals

All Upward Scholars students are encouraged to meet with an academic counselor at their college to complete a student educational plan. A student education plan guides students on which courses to take and in what sequence to successfully achieve their academic and career goals.

After completing their academic and career goal, a student exits from Upward Scholars. For most students, this means completing a certificate, associate degree, or associate degree to transfer. Suppose a student wants to revise or extend their academic or career goal. In that case, they must 1) meet with an academic counselor at their college to complete a new educational plan and 2) contact Diana Viscarra, Programs Director at Upward Scholars, to petition to be considered a returning student in Upward Scholars.

If a student exceeds financial assistance from their college, they are no longer eligible to participate in Upward Scholars. Please direct all questions to Diana Viscarra at diana@upwardscholars.org.

Upward Scholars Emergency Funds

Upward Scholars' Student Safety Net Fund provides financial relief on a case-by-case basis to students experiencing financial burdens due to medical emergencies, home displacement, loss of food or income due to power outages and flooding, etc.

If you are experiencing a financial emergency that could jeopardize your enrollment at your community college, please let us know—contact Programs Manager Marlene Torres-Magaña at marlene@upwardscholars.org with the details of your emergency. Funds are not guaranteed, but we try to help when possible.

Platiquitas with Reverend Gerardo

Platiquitas provide students the chance to participate in regular small group meetings with grief counselor and Reverend Gerardo centered on how spiritual issues can manifest and affect us and how to cope with them. This is an intimate space for students who want more spiritual guidance.

To continue supporting your emotional and spiritual health, Rev. Gerardo will hold a Platiquita or virtual conversation on "Identity and Culture" on February 9 at 5 pm. Connect with your classmates and the reverend and discuss what "Identity and Culture" might mean to you.

To participate in the Platiquita, join by Zoom here.

SMCCD Scholarship Worskshop

SMCCD Students: Upward Scholars is hosting an informational session to help you learn more about the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships. Join us to learn how to complete one application to apply to many scholarships simultaneously. The scholarship application is due on March 2.

When: Thursday, February 15, 6–7 pm

Where: Zoom

Virtual English Conversation Club

The Upward Scholars English Conversation Club is an opportunity for you to build confidence in your English conversation skills via a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment.

Our first virtual Conversation Club of 2024:

Friday, February 23, 2024

6:30–7:45 pm

RSVP by Friday, February 16, to join us.

Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship Workshop

Latina Students: Upward Scholars Operations Manager and alumna Marta Dugarte is hosting a scholarship workshop for the Chicana Latina Foundation. She received the Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship last year and is now here to tell you more about the scholarship and give you tips for applying. Join her for this hybrid event. The CLF scholarship application is due on March 31.

When: Friday, March 1, 4–5 pm

Where: Zoom or in person at 1020 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park

Upward Scholars @ the RWC Human Concerns Committee Hearing

Upward Scholars will present at the Redwood City Human Concerns Committee Hearing on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 pm, as part of our application for city funds, and we need your support!

Join us that night to show Redwood City that Upward Scholars is a robust and united community that deserves their funding. We need as many of you and your families present as possible to show your support and the impact we have on each of you. We hope to see you there!

When: Wednesday, March 13, 6 pm

Where: City Council Chambers, 1017 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063

What: Show up to support Upward Scholars!

Spiritual Counseling with Reverend Gerardo García Palacios

Upward Scholars offers all 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.

Schedule a session with Rev. Gerardo by emailing him at pastorgarcia1679@outlook.com or calling/texting him at (650) 387-9174.

Community Opportunities

Storm Safety Information for Reference

Although it looks like the worst of the winter storms has passed, we want you to be vigilant and prepared in case we get another surge in rain. Below are some resources to help you plan for and mitigate the uncertainty of these storms.

To receive emergency notifications about flood conditions and road closures in San Mateo County, subscribe to SMCAlert by registering online and to your city’s Nixle emergency alerts by texting your zip code to 888777.
To receive emergency notifications about flood conditions and road closures in Santa Clara County, subscribe to AlertSCC by registering online.
To receive emergency notifications about flood conditions and road closures in Alameda County, subscribe to ACAlert by registering online.
Avoid driving through floodwater or touching floodwater. Wear boots and gloves if you must interact with floodwater.
If flooding occurs:
Move to higher ground
Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams
Do not walk, drive, or swim through flooded areas, which may be deeper than they appear and can carry dangerous debris
Don’t approach or drive near a downed power line.
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or if you require evacuation. Other calls should be placed to non-emergency lines.
In San Mateo County, call 211 for information updates about sandbag locations, flood advisories, traffic bulletins, and road closures.
In Alameda County, call 311 to report clogged drains, fallen trees, or other storm damage.
Avoid interaction with floodwater. See San Mateo County’s Health and Safety guidelines for residents in flooded areas.
This page is also helpful for residents of other counties
Check for dampness and potential mold growth indoors, which is a health hazard. If you are a renter, immediately report dampness and mold to your landlord. Homeowners and renters alike may benefit from the following resources on mold in the home:
Information on Dampness and Mold for Renters in California
Español: Información sobre la humedad y el moho para inquilinos en California
Mold or Dampness in my Home: What do I do?
Español: Moho o Humedad en mi Hogar: ¿Qué Hago?
A brief guide to mold, moisture, and your home (EPA)
Español: Una breve guía para el moho, la humedad y su hogar
Document flood damages with photos.
Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies do not cover water damage, but you should check your policy for any flood coverage endorsement and coverage for potential wind damage. Contact your insurance provider to initiate a claim if you have flood insurance.
Nonprofits like United Policyholders can help you navigate the insurance claim process.

Emergency Information

Residents should call 211 (SMC) or 311 (AC) to be directed to the appropriate resources. Operators can provide information on sandbag resources, city and county contact information, road conditions, and mental health resources.
San Mateo County has launched a storm-related information page.
Alameda County has this storm-related information page.

Key Safety Measures

Avoid driving through flooded areas and touching floodwater, which can be toxic. Wear boots and gloves if you must interact with floodwater.
Sandbag Location List for Cities and Unincorporated Areas in San Mateo County
Sandbag Locations List for Alameda County
Guide on Proper Use of Sandbags

Tax-Aid Free Tax Events

Tax-Aid offers free tax help for households that earn less than $58,000. Their expert Bay Area tax volunteers give you the confidence of properly prepared taxes and can provide tax support and advice year-round in your preferred language. Click here to learn more. Their website is available in multiple languages.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library/San Jose State University

150 E. San Fernando Street

Second Floor, Room 255, San Jose

Saturday, February 10, 10 am – 2 pm

Walk-in service and some appointments available at: https://calendly.com/tax-aid-appointments

Wilton Court

3705 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Saturday, February 10, 10 am – 2 pm

Walk-in service, no appointments

Marin City Community Development Corporation

441 Drake Avenue, Marin City

Saturday, February 10, 10 am – 2 pm

Walk-in service, no appointments

Fair Oaks Community Center

2600 Middlefield Road, Redwood City

Thursday, February 28, 1–5 pm

By appointment only: https://calendly.com/tax-aid-appointments

Rainbow Kids en Español: What Does Our World Tell Young Children About...

Los niños forman conceptos fundamentales sobre el género, el amor y la familia antes de los cinco años.

Este seminario gratuito en español, ofrece información, estrategias y recursos apropiados para niños sobre:

la comprensión de las identidades y los términos LGBTQ+,
la práctica de los pronombres y el lenguaje inclusivo,
la gestión de los mensajes cotidianos sobre el género, el amor y la familia y
el poder de la afirmación

Inscríbete usando el enlace que corresponda a tu fecha preferida. Todos son bienvenidos.

February 13, 4:00-5:30 pm

March 21, 4:00-5:30 pm

April 17, 4:00-5:30 pm

April 24, 4:00-5:30 pm

PAL Center Workshops

PAL Center is hosting various workshops such as starting your own business, financial literacy, domestic violence prevention, and more community resources.

All sessions will occur at Pal Center (3399 Bay Rd, Redwood City) from 6:30–7:30 pm on the dates specified in the flyer.

Money 101 Workshop: Finance and Budgeting

Friends For Youth and TIDAL Partners would like to invite you to their Money 101 Workshop. This event will include free food and a chance to learn the basics of managing money, understanding credit, and banking. Money 101 is an excellent opportunity for families, young adults, or anyone who wants to improve their money management skills.

When: February 15, 5–7 pm

Where: 3460 W Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Learn more and register here.

Digital Mental Health Support for California Youth, Young Adults, and Families

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched new digital mental health support for youth, young adults, and families.

The two easy-to-use web and app-based platforms, BrightLife Kids and Soluna, offer free, safe, and confidential support for California residents. No insurance is required.

Second Harvest Food Distributions Near You

Our friends at Second Harvest know that living here is expensive, but your food doesn't have to be. Find a Second Harvest food distribution center near you here.

And if you also want to give back to the community, you can volunteer to help package and distribute food by signing up here. Volunteer opportunities look great on scholarship applications.

Couple Support Group Sessions

PAL is partnering with One Life Counseling to host weekly group sessions to help couples create a deeper connection

with their partner and learn how to face life's inevitable

challenges together.

Wednesdays, 6–7 pm

The Unity Council's Career & Resource Center

Do you need assistance building your credit score or accessing training, computer classes, housing, rentals, or other services? Our new partners at the Unity Council's Career and Resource Center are here to help.

They are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm (1900 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94601). Learn more about how they can help by attending an orientation in English or Spanish or visiting their website here.

El Concilio of San Mateo County

El Concilio is committed to increasing education, employment, and access to quality services to underserved communities in San Mateo County. They have various community programs in English and Spanish, including programs to help you apply for Medi-Cal, save money on your phone or PG&E bills, and much more!

Learn more about their year-round services here or by reviewing their flyer.

Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay Job Support

VACCEB is a new Upward Scholars partner serving Southeast Asians and other immigrants and refugees across the Bay Area through educational, cultural, and social services, promoting economic self-sufficiency in these communities. Their programs include food security, employment services, ESL, digital literacy and citizenship classes, senior social activities, and health and wellness.

Learn more about VACCEB here.

VACCEB started their Employment Program to help people like you get the jobs they want. The workshops will be every month on the second Thursday at 10 am and again at 2 pm.

To sign up, contact Annalise at ainamine@vacceb.org, Linah at Isofi@vacceb.org, or Brett at bzhang@vacceb.org.

Free Immigration Legal Services by IIBA

The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) offers free immigration legal services to all California Community College students—including you—such as comprehensive immigration consultations and DACA renewals, and right now, they even have funding to cover the DACA filing fees.

Book your consultation here or call (650) 587-1502.

Employment Opportunities

Educator and Mentor at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City

Join the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City as an EDUCATOR and MENTOR in an exciting new program for youth. This is an excellent opportunity for an early career or pre-service teacher to develop skills while earning extra money and developing relationships in the Redwood City area.

This is a part-time position for a minimum of four (4) hours per week, Sunday mornings, beginning immediately with the possibility of expanded hours. The starting salary is $30-40 per hour. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Read the full job description here.

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 Coordinator Adriana Luna at adriana@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.

Curry Award for Girls and Young Women

Application Deadline: February 29, 2024, noon
Some qualifications: female aged 18–26; 3.3 GPA or higher; San Mateo County resident

Crain Scholarship Program

Application Deadline: February 29, 2024, noon
Some qualifications: transferring to a 4-year university in fall 2024; community involvement; 3.5 GPA or better; high school or equivalent in San Mateo or Santa Clara County; full-time student in 2024

The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship

Application Deadline: February 29, 2024, noon
Some qualifications: female; attending a college in the San Mateo County Community College District; U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or AB 540 student

Peralta Colleges Foundation Scholarships

Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Some qualifications: PCCD student; one application for multiple scholarships

10,000 Degrees Scholarship

Application Deadline: March 2, 2024
Some qualifications: full-time student

San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships

Application Deadline: March 2, 2024
Some qualifications: SMCCD student; one application for multiple scholarships

Crestmoor Neighborhood Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: March 5, 2024, 5 pm
Some qualifications: live in San Bruno or attend Skyline College; first-year student at a community college or transfer student from a community college to a four-year university; open to undocumented students; full-time student

Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF) Scholarship

Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Some qualifications: Self-identify as a Chicana and/or Latina; full-time student; 2.0 GPA or higher

Financial Aid

The FAFSA and California Dream Act applications for the 2024–2025 academic school year are NOW OPEN for those who are eligible! Complete them as soon as possible and before April 2, 2024, to secure your financial aid.

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 (e.g., DACA, TPS, and in-state tuition eligibility). Only opportunities with due dates within the next 180 days appear on the list. Use the filters to find scholarships that could be right for you, and click on the scholarship to learn more and apply!

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.

Thank you for reading through this newsletter. We hope it was helpful to you. Please contact the corresponding programs team member if you have further questions or want help with anything you read here. Their information is below.

Onward & upward,

Upward Scholars Team