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Dear Upward,
We hope the Fall semester is off to a strong start. Starting a new school year can be daunting, but the Upward Scholars staff and community believe in you. Keep going and ask for help when you need to. We are here to support you.
Please read through this newsletter, which includes our Student Rights & Responsibilities Policy, the September English Conversation Club, and many community events and resources.
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Upward Scholars Announcements | |
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Student Rights & Responsibilities Policy
As an Upward Scholars student, you have rights and responsibilities within our community. Please read the following policy carefully to ensure you understand and adhere to it. You can also find it after the Upward Scholars Applications section of our Student Page.
If you witness a violation of this policy by Upward Scholars students, staff members, volunteers, donors, or stakeholders, please email compliance@upwardscholars.org to submit a report.
Submit any questions or concerns about this policy to info@upwardscholars.org. A staff member will reach out to clarify.
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Virtual English Conversation Club
The Upward Scholars English Conversation Club is an opportunity for you as a student to build confidence in your English conversation skills via a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment.
Our next virtual Conversation Club:
Friday, September 22, 2023
6:30–7:45 pm
RSVP by September 15 to join us.
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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 English-Spanish bilingual.
Schedule a session with Rev. Gerardo by emailing him at pastorgarcia1679@outlook.com or calling/texting him at (650) 387-9174.
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T-Mack Skate Jam: Skate to music, celebrate, and remember
You're invited to the Berkeley Skate Park for a free, all-ages event on September 16. Enjoy live music, skating, food, a raffle, and arts and crafts, and honor Terrence McCrary Jr.'s memory while advocating against gun violence.
When: September 16, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Berkeley Skate Park, 711 Harrison St, Berkeley
Learn more here.
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SMC Child Care Impact Survey
San Mateo County's Commission on the Status of Women is committed to helping increase access to child care in San Mateo County. They want to hear from Upward Scholars students to understand the LIFELONG impacts of caregiving and child care on women. Responses are welcome by ALL, whether you are a childcare provider, have young children you care for, or are a caregiver to a spouse or parent.
Survey responses are anonymous and will inform the support of resources for families, child care, and caregiving in San Mateo County. The survey is in English, Spanish, and Mandarin and can be completed here. Submit your response before the end of September.
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Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay (VACCEB) 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.
Today, VACCEB starts 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.
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Mental Health First Aid Training
MHFA is a skill-based training program that helps you understand mental health and substance use challenges. As a First-Aider, you will identify signs of mental health and substance use challenges in people and reach out to provide initial first-aid support. You can expect to cover common mental health signs and symptoms, suicide warning signs, self-care, and critical cultural considerations.
Participants who complete all required coursework will receive First Aider Certification, which is good for three years.
When: Thursday, September 21, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Redwood Room, 3460 W Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto
Learn more and register here!
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Introducing Language Through Play
This virtual two-day workshop helps childcare providers gain understanding and competence in supporting emerging language and literacy capabilities, using a child-centered approach, and developing and offering a print-rich environment.
When: September 27, 6–8:30 pm & September 28, 6–8:30 pm
Learn more and register for this free workshop here.
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College, Career, & Community Fair
College Advising Prep invites you to their College, Career, & Community Fair. This is an opportunity to speak with college representatives from UCs, CSUs, local community colleges, private colleges, and out-of-state colleges. You can also network with local organizations to learn about job and internship opportunities and about community resources available for you and your family.
When: October 26, 6:30–8:30 pm
Where: Multipurpose room at Sequoia High School,
1201 Brewster Ave, Redwood City
Register here.
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Bay Area Community Resources SEED Entrepreneurship Program
BACR offers the SEED Entrepreneurship Program in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties to help undocumented young adults gain financial through entrepreneurship. They provide business development training, technical assistance, and incubation support. Participants who complete their business plans and engage in program events can apply for a micro-grant of $2.5K–5K to launch or accelerate their business.
Qualifications:
- Resident of San Francisco, Alameda, or Contra Costa counties
- Undocumented
- 18-30 years old
- Interested in entrepreneurship
Benefits:
- Free Business Plan Development Training
- Mentorship
- Access to SEED Funding
Learn more and apply here.
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¡Conectémonos! Technology Help Desk
Learn new skills or sharpen old ones! Get help with your technology needs, including assistance with emails, installing software, and more. The staff can help in English or Spanish.
Where: North Fair Oaks Library, 2510 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City
When: Every Monday, 6–7:30 pm
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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.
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Housing Navigation Workshops by the Unity Council
The Unity Council is hosting free workshops on navigating rental websites, what to do when you have a housing opportunity, affordable housing, fair housing, and tenant rights. Join them virtually or in person. Some sessions are also offered in Spanish. Attendees will receive $25 gift cards while supplies last.
Register here to attend.
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External Employment Opportunities | |
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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.
If you hear of any employment opportunities, please contact Jessica at jessica@upwardscholars.org, and she will share them with all Upward Scholars students.
Upcoming Scholarships
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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 Jessica at jessica@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.
Live Your Dream Award
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
- 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 (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 scholarship opportunities with deadlines in the next few weeks or months, please email me at jessica@upwardscholars.org, and I will share them with all Upward Scholars students.
Thank you for reading through this newsletter. I hope it was helpful to you. If you have any further questions or want help with anything you read here, please contact me.
Onward & upward,
Jessica
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Upward Scholars provides adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support. | | | | |
