Dear Upward,

Last week's election was filled with anxiety, fear, and mistrust for many of us, and for good reason. As we enter the uncertainty of the next four years, let's remember that hope, love, and community are the tools that will see us through. 💙🧡

We will continue to build community, act on our mission and values, and lead with love and compassion to foster hope and humanity through collective action.

When we become discouraged or overwhelmed, we must remind each other to lean on our community. "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

Upward Scholars is more committed than ever to providing YOU the support you need to move up the economic ladder!

Please read this newsletter, which includes details about our Rev. Gerardo's doctoral research survey, San Mateo County Toy and Book Drive, Mental Health resources, job openings, and other community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

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.

Impacto del Apoyo Espiritual en el Éxito Académico

Gerardo está realizando una encuesta para su investigación doctoral, que se centra en las experiencias espirituales y emocionales de los estudiantes de Upward Scholars.

Si ha utilizado los servicios de apoyo espiritual y emocional que ofrecemos en colaboración con el Reverendo, por favor complete la encuesta aquí.

Platiquitas (bilingual English/Spanish)

Platiquitas offer students the chance to participate in regular small group meetings centered on specific spiritual topics with a grief counselor and Reverend Gerardo.

Rev. Gerardo will hold the next Platiquita, or virtual conversation, on the "Importance of Education" on Friday, November 22, at 5 pm.

To participate in the Platiquita, join by Zoom here.

Community Opportunities

SMC Annual Holiday Toy and Book Drive

Public safety agencies in San Mateo County teamed up to bring smiles and holiday spirit to children in need through the Annual Holiday Toy and Book Drive. This event has become a welcomed tradition in the Redwood City community.

All sign-ups must be done in person at the Fair Oaks Community Center at 2600 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City.

Sign-ups from October 14 – December 4, 2024. No sign-ups on 11/11, 11/27, 11/28, 11/29.

Noches Astronómicas (Spanish only)

¿Te has preguntado alguna vez cómo se estudian las galaxias, incluyendo nuestra Vía Láctea? ¿Cuál es el día a día de un científico o ingeniero, y qué ha inspirado a Andrew, Sergio y Margaux? Asiste a las Noches Astronómicas para aprender sobre el maravilloso cosmos a través de breves charlas y un panel público de preguntas. Este evento está abierto a todos, apto para toda la familia, y dirigido hacia estudiantes de escuela media y secundaria.

Cuándo: jueves, 21 de noviembre, 7–8:30 pm

Dónde: Bishop Auditorium (Stanford University)

Programa:

7–7:45 pm — Tres conferencias cortas sobre el estudio de las galaxias mediante observaciones, simulaciones y construcción de telescopios.

Presentación 1: Los Corazones de Galaxias: Agujeros Negros Monumentales (ponente: Andrew Sullivan)
Presentación 2: Cómo formar una galaxia desde casa en menos de 15 minutos (ponente: Sergio Martin-Alvarez)
Presentación 3: ¿Cuántos perritos caben en la cámara digital más grande del mundo? (ponente: Margaux Lopez)

7:45–8:30 pm — conversación en directo y preguntas y respuestas con todos los ponentes.

Inscríbete aquí. La entrada es gratuita, pero el registro es requerido.

Información: Bernardita Ried Guachalla (bried@stanford.edu)

Página web del evento: https://goto.stanford.edu/astro-21nov

Boost Your Well-being: Mental Health and Wellness Workshop

The Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation invites you to join an upcoming online mental and wellness workshop. They’ll explore strategies to overcome common challenges faced by college students, such as homesickness, isolation, lack of motivation, anxiety, and more. They will host a separate Spanish-language workshop for family members.

When: November 22, 2024, 6:00 pm

Where: Zoom

To register, please add your name here. A link to the event will be emailed to you.

Holy Family School Openings for 2nd and 6th Grade

Holy Family School in North Fair Oaks is in search of families interested in joining their small private school.

Openings for students who would thrive in a small, tight-knit classroom environment:

2 openings for current 2nd graders for the CURRENT school year (2024-25). Students would enroll now and stay with us through 8th grade.
15 openings in a newly forming 6th grade class for NEXT school year (2025-26). Eligible students would currently be in 5th grade. Students would stay at Holy Family School 6th through 8th grade and prepare rigorously for high school.

The benefits of a small, private school are:

Enroll now and stay through 8th grade
Small class sizes (15 students: 2 teachers)
Tuition-free for eligible families
Family-like atmosphere
Catholic faith-based
State approved curriculum in math, reading, science, and social studies
Laptops or iPads for each student
Art, music, PE included
Parent Empowerment program 1 day/week: Practice English, earn GED or take college classes
Strong community of support

Click here to complete the interest form for 2nd grade. Click here to complete the interest form for 6th grade. Their staff will follow up with each family by phone or email after receiving their information.

Triple P Positive Parenting Program

Family Connections invites caregivers of children birth to 5 years to participate in their 8-week Positive Parenting Program!

Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) is a proven parenting method that helps parents learn positive ways to raise children. Caregivers can learn important skills to strengthen their bonds with their children, help them grow socially and emotionally, and handle challenging behavior in a positive way.

Participation in Triple P requires an 8-week commitment that includes four 2-hour virtual sessions, three individualized check-in phone calls, and one in-person celebratory session.

Spanish Session starts Tuesday, January 14

Time: 5:30–7:30 pm

Learn more and register here.

Immigrants Rising's Mental Health Connector For Students in California

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides undocumented students in California with psychological support, allowing them to access their strengths and resiliency to 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
Click here for more information on how Immigrants Rising defines “undocumented.”
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.

Help Sequoia Hospital Improve Community Health

Sequoia Hospital wants to hear from you! Every three years, they check in with the community to understand what health and social issues matter most. By filling out a quick survey, you can let them know what’s important to you and your family.

Your feedback will guide programs and support, helping Sequoia Hospital meet real needs in our community.

It only takes a few minutes, and your voice can make a big difference!

Complete the short survey in English or Spanish.

Summer Search

Summer Search is a national youth development nonprofit that has provided over 9,000 10th graders with scholarships, international service, outdoor leadership, academic Summer Trips, year-round mentoring, and career development support.

If you know any 10th-grade high school students who would benefit from mentoring and support, tell them about Summer Search. Their application is now open and closes on December 3. Eligible 10th graders can learn more and apply here.

Redwood City Tenant-Landlord Counseling Services Project

Redwood City now provides phone and e-mail assistance for tenants and landlords throughout Redwood City. They provide information on all tenant-landlord issues and offer dispute resolution options. They serve all areas of Redwood City, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.

Services are available to all tenants and landlords within Redwood City, regardless of income or immigration status.

View the flyer or click here for more information.

Medical Equipment Loan Program

MELP/AbleCloset created a medical equipment loan program to provide durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, knee scooters, and more, to help those who need the equipment but may still be waiting for their own equipment to arrive or be covered by their insurance. This program helps ensure medical equity and improves lives while recycling and reusing donated equipment. And the equipment is loaned at no cost!

To borrow medical equipment from MELP, visit their website.

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.

Make Your Voice Heard: Redwood City & North Fair Oaks

Redwood City Together is partnering with the City of Redwood City to learn about the needs of Redwood City and North Fair Oaks youth (ages 13-24) and parents/caregivers.

Complete the survey in English or Spanish here and share it with friends and neighbors to make your voice heard.

Employment Opportunities

Fresh Approach Community Garden Ambassador

Are you a San Mateo County resident interested in growing your knowledge of community gardening? Apply to be a Community Garden Ambassador with Fresh Approach. This part-time paid position consists of 6-10 hours a week for a 6-month term (November 2024 through May 2025).

You will have the chance to:

Support garden and landscape maintenance at Collective Roots Community Garden (2 positions) or Friendship Park (1 position)⁠
Coordinate workshops & volunteer workdays for our community garden network members and local residents⁠
Receive specialized gardening training, including food production, composting, and nutrition education⁠

Review the complete job description here.

SV2 Administrative Intern

SV2 is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Administrative Intern who will work with their team to drive the success of their programs and operations. This internship is approximately 5-10 hours per week, starting in November 2024 and ending in June 2025.

SV2 is looking for a proactive self-starter who is passionate about social impact and equity, and who wants to create and implement systems that help bring these organizational commitments to life. You're a good fit if you work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with attention to detail and a deep enthusiasm for organizational processes. This paid role would work well for a current undergraduate student or someone who is at a transition point in their academic or vocational trajectory.

Review the complete 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 Director Diana Viscarra at diana@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.

SMCCC Foundation Scholarships

The next scholarship cycle for the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation is NOW OPEN! This is a single application that allows you to apply to multiple scholarships all at once. The application deadline is approaching on March 3, 2025, at 4:30 pm. Apply now!

Live Your Dream Award

Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Some qualifications: identify as a woman; primary breadwinner for family

Providing Educational Opportunities (PEO) for Women

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
Some qualifications: female; legal permanent resident or citizen; in good academic standing
If you want to apply, please let me know as soon as possible. All applicants need a recommendation from Upward Scholars.

Curry Award for Girls and Young Women

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Some qualifications: female aged 18–26; 3.3 GPA or higher; San Mateo County resident

Crain Scholarship Program

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
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 28, 2025
Some qualifications: female; attending a college in the San Mateo County Community College District; U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or AB 540 student

10,000 Degrees Scholarship

Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
Some qualifications: full-time student

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

Meet our Programs Team