Upward Scholars' Fall Application, Conversation Club, Know Your Rights, & more

Greetings!

We hope you and your loved ones are well and safe. The Fall semester is finally here! We hope you're excited for this fresh start and a new academic year. Please remember to complete the Upward Scholars Fall Application (below) to continue receiving our support services.

This month's newsletter includes our Fall Application Renewal, September Conversation Club, Know Your Rights information, what to do in case of detention, and other community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

Upward Scholars Fall 2025 Renewal Application

The Fall 2025 Renewal Application is open! Apply now for the Fall 2025 Semester and complete the eligibility requirements to continue receiving our program services and benefits. The application closes on Friday, August 29.

If you have any questions, contact Programs Coordinator Alma Noriega at alma@upwardscholars.org or ‪(650) 254-6193.

In-person English Conversation Club

Conversation Club is back in person! This 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/Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing food and topics from a variety of Latin 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 12, 2025

6:30 – 8 pm

Sobrato Center for Nonprofits (350 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City)

RSVP by September 5 to join us.

Everyone Has Rights, Know Them!

Save or Download this Information Here

All people are protected under the law, regardless of immigration status.

If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA) as soon as possible.
Know your rights. Keep the red card handy at all times. If you encounter ICE, remember you have constitutional rights. (You can download a red card here.) Upward Scholars also has physical red cards available for pickup at our office.
Have a plan for you and your family in case someone is detained. Find plan templates here.
Memorize a trusted person's phone number in case you are detained and do not have access to your phone.
Download and complete your Immigration Preparedness Toolkit here
Download and complete your Family Preparedness Plan here
DO NOT sign ICE documents or speak to any officers without an attorney present. Get advice from an attorney about your immigration options.
Find Free and Low-Cost Immigration Legal Service Providers here
Find more resources on the County’s Immigrant Service page here.

NOTE: This is for informational purposes, not legal advice.

Emotional & 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.

Community Opportunities

Cultura Fest 2025

Cultura Fest is a vibrant celebration of culture, identity, and creative expression. While many Salvadorans in the U.S. have blended into broader Latino communities, the need for a space that truly reflects their heritage remains. Cultura Fest fills that gap—bringing people together through music, art, and food for free! It shines a spotlight on Salvadoran and Latin American artists, chefs, and performers, honoring the shared journey of resilience and creativity.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

11:00 am–5:00 pm

400 Grand Ave, South San Francisco

Get tickets here!

Learn as a Family Spanish Workshops

This free virtual workshop, available in Spanish, will provide you with the necessary tools to help your children succeed this school year. You will also receive accurate information on the latest available health resources and financial assistance options to help you.

Please contact Mr. Zuno at 650-422-0496 if you have any questions or need help filling out this form.

Legal Support Guide

Facing legal challenges? Seeking qualified legal assistance is the most important step you can take. Bring a trusted supporter to any appointments and consider creating a family preparedness plan to protect your loved ones. Use the links below to find helpful resources and referrals. Remember—being informed is your best protection.

Click here for a legal directory for resources in your community, including legal representation.

Click here to stay updated on your immigration court hearing date and time.

La Selva Community Clinic

La Selva Community Clinic offers a comprehensive range of care, including psychiatry, counseling, case management, and more—all at no cost to uninsured or underinsured adults. Services are available in English and Spanish.

To learn more and schedule an appointment, please contact Martha Zambrano at (650) 617-8350 or visit their office at 4139 El Camino Way, Palo Alto.

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector For Students in California

Immigrants Rising’s Mental Health Connector provides psychological support to undocumented students in California. It allows them to access their strengths and resiliency and 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
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.

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.

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.

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

Our Programs Team

Contact our Programs Team with any questions regarding our programs and services.