Student Review & Denial of Services Policy, Graduation Celebration, Community Conversation, & more

Dear Upward,

Happy May and Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month!🌷With finals just around the corner, we want to remind you that Upward Scholars believes in you and your ability to get through your finals with flying colors. You can do this! 💪

Please read through this newsletter, which includes Upward Scholars' Student Review & Denial of Services Policy, Graduation Celebration, Community Conversation, and community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

Student Review & Denial of Services Policy

The Upward Scholars team reviews student applications every term. We reserve the right to deny admission or exit a student from our program at any time. Admission to Upward Scholars is not guaranteed.

If admitted, all students must comply with the Student Rights & Responsibilities Policy. Please read the policy linked above carefully to ensure you understand and adhere to it or risk being removed from the program.

Additionally, if students are not making significant progress with their academic and career goals, they may also be placed under review. All students under review must provide additional information within specified deadlines or risk removal.

This message is not a notice of review or denial of services. Students under review or at risk of losing admission to Upward Scholars will be contacted directly to alert them of such proceedings.

Upward Scholars will continue reviewing our admission processes and policies to ensure we provide a high-quality program to deserving students.

2024 Graduation Celebration (PCCD & SMCCD)!

Are you graduating this Spring? Upward Scholars needs to know which students are graduating or participating in the commencement ceremonies this Spring 2024 so that we can pay for your regalia and celebrate you at our Graduation Celebration in June!

If you applied for your degree or certificate, please complete this Graduation Form by no later than May 15.

If you are not graduating yet, we are pleased to invite you to our 5th Annual virtual Graduation Celebration!

Join us to celebrate your peers' remarkable academic accomplishments on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 3 to 4 pm.

This year, we'll recognize over 30 associate's degree or certificate of achievement recipients.

When:

Sunday, June 23, 2024

3–4 pm

Where: via Zoom

Save this link for easy access: https://bit.ly/GraduationCelebration2024

Community Conversation: MoveUp with Higher Ed

You’re invited to Upward Scholars’ virtual Community Conversation: MoveUp with Higher Ed event!

The event, which falls on National Higher Education Day, will feature a panel of three Upward Scholars alumni with diverse educational attainment. Join us to be inspired by their stories of how their education has impacted their career development and economic mobility. In the future, this could be you!

All Upward Scholars students and community members are encouraged to attend.

We will also share a very special announcement at the event, so don’t miss it! 🤩

When:

Thursday, June 6, 2024

4–5 pm

Where:

via Zoom

Please register here to join us and receive your Zoom link.

Upward Scholars may pay your Honor Society Membership Fees

If you receive an email invitation to become a member of a college-affiliated honor society, such as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), congratulations! These honor societies are prestigious and offer many member benefits but can be expensive. Upward Scholars will review requests to cover membership fees.

To be considered for this benefit, forward the email invitation with your invite link and code to Programs Coordinator Adriana Luna at adriana@upwardscholars.org.

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.

Platiquitas

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

Rev. Gerardo will hold the next Platiquita, or virtual conversation, on "Solidarity & Service" on Friday, May 31, at 5 pm.

To participate in the Platiquita, join by Zoom here.

Community Opportunities

Community All Stars: Playing with Purpose

Join this community event on May 11 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula (1109 Hilton St, Redwood City 94063) to participate in friendly basketball, Zumba, soccer, volleyball, and more.

Connect with Upward Scholars student volunteer Hugo Medina at (669) 242-1710 or hugomedina.179782@gmail.com to join our team!

College, Career, & Community Fair

You're invited to the College, Career, & Community Fair, an opportunity to speak with college representatives from UCs, CSUs, and other colleges.

Upward Scholars will have a table at the event. Come by and say hi!

When: May 16, 6:30–8:30 pm

Where: Multipurpose room at Sequoia High School,

1201 Brewster Ave, Redwood City

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.

Night on The Town with Alameda County Community Food Bank & Oakland Museum of California

Grab dinner from any one of the eight Off the Grid food trucks on 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets (or bring your own food!) and enjoy LIVE music and opportunities to learn and engage with ACCFB programs at the OMCA Garden.

When: May 31, 2024, 5-8 pm

Where: Oakland Museum of California (1000 Oak Street, Oakland CA 94607)

Learn more here.

FREE Teen Membership this Summer at the YMCA

Memberships are available to all teens entering or graduating high school this year at its 10 locations.

Teens will: get healthy by utilizing gym facilities, get leadership skills by participating in volunteer projects, and get connected with social gatherings.

When: June 1–July 31, 2024

Learn more and sign up here.

Bay Area Book Festival: Outdoor Fair/Literary Marketplace

The Bay Area Book Festival’s free Outdoor Fair is a lively, immersive experience jam-packed with fun and exploration for festival attendees of all ages and interests. Catch live performances, relax and unwind at an outdoor reading lounge, and enjoy fresh food.

When: Sunday, June 2, 2024

Learn more about the festival here.

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

Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation

Application Deadline: May 17, 2024
Some qualifications: 1st in family to attend college; 2.5 GPA or higher; open to undocumented students

Deblinger Family Scholarship

Application Deadline: May 17, 2024
Some qualifications: Single; female parents who are Head of Household; enrolled in a community college or transferring to a 4-year university; 2.5 GPA or higher

Jeniffer Fonseca Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
Some qualifications: identify as Latina; be a mother; full-time student (preferred, not required)

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