September Conversation Club, Rev. Gerardo's Doctoral Research Survey, & more

Dear Upward,

Latinx Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) begins next week, and we are thrilled to celebrate it with you. Here are some interesting stats about the Upward Scholars family:

Latinx Students: 72%
Latinx Staff: 88%
Latinx Board: 29%
Latinx Advisory Council: 40%

With three-quarters of our students from Latin America and nearly all our staff of Latin American origin, Latinx Heritage Month is the perfect opportunity to share our vibrant cultures!

Please read this newsletter, which includes details about the September Conversation Club, Rev. Gerardo's doctoral research survey, and other community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

In-person English Conversation Club

Due to popular demand from the Upward Scholars community, our final two English Conversation Clubs of the year will be in person!

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

We will also use this opportunity to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month by sharing food and topics from a variety of Latinx cultures in the spirit of welcoming and belonging.

Child care for children 3 years and older will be available.

Our next in-person English Conversation Club:

Friday, September 20, 2024

7 – 9 pm

Upward Scholars’ Office (1020 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park)

RSVP by September 16 to join us.

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 "Faith in the future" on Friday, September 13, at 5 pm.

To participate in the Platiquita, join by Zoom here.

Community Opportunities

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

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.

Live Your Dream Award

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

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