Upward Scholars' Fall Application, September Conversation Club, & more

Dear Upward,

Summer is here! If you are taking classes this summer, we wish you the best of luck during finals in the next few weeks. If you took a break from classes, we hope you come back reenergized this fall.

Please read through this newsletter, which includes Upward Scholars' Fall Application, September Conversation Club details, and other community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

Upward Scholars Fall 2024 Application

The Upward Scholars Fall 2024 Application is open! Apply now for the Fall 2024 Semester and complete the eligibility requirements to continue receiving our program services and benefits.

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

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 20, 2024

6:30 – 7:45 pm

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.

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 Gratitude" on Friday, July 12, at 5 pm.

To participate in the Platiquita, join by Zoom here.

Community Opportunities

FREE Summer evening movies in Berkeley parks

Movies in the Park roll on this summer with a "Trolls Band Together" screening at Strawberry Creek Park on July 12.

Grab your low-height beach chairs, blankets, and favorite snacks, and prepare for a fun-filled community event. The series continues in July with:

Trolls Band Together
Friday, July 12, 8:35 pm
Strawberry Creek Park, 1260 Allston Way
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Friday, July 26, 8:35 pm
Glendale La Loma Park, 1310 La Loma Ave

Click here for more information and the entire summer lineup (through September).

Family Fun Day

You're invited to the San Mateo County Family Child Care Organization's First Annual Family Fun Day! This event is designed to bring together family child care providers, their families, the families they serve, and our community for a day filled with joy and laughter. There will be Mister Softee Ice Cream, a San Mateo Fire Department Truck, delicious food, a bounce house, face painting, and more.

This is a perfect occasion to connect with others, make new friends, and create cherished memories. Bring your family for a day that promises endless fun and delightful experiences.

When: July 21, 11 am – 2 pm

Where: Shoreview Park in San Mateo

Entry is free, but registration is required. Register here to participate in the fun.

WANDA's Financial Training for Single Moms

WANDA equips striving single moms with the skills, knowledge, and assets to build greater economic self-sufficiency and brighter futures for themselves and their families. It offers one year of online classes in financial literacy, personal development, and career development; a generous matched savings program with a 2:1 match on savings up to $2000; a supportive cohort of success-seeking peers; and extra opportunities to learn and grow through a network of mentors, instructors, and partner organizations.

Eligibility criteria:

Unmarried
Have at least one dependent child 18 years or younger
Live, work, or attend school in San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
Employed full- or part-time
Personal assets valued below approximately $30,000
Have an income that falls within current WANDA income limits

See their website for complete eligibility information.

WANDA applications are open now until August 15. Learn more and apply 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, develop leadership skills by participating in volunteer projects, and connect with social gatherings.

When: June 1–July 31, 2024

Learn more and sign up here.

Summer Learning Challenge

The 2024 Summer Learning Challenge has begun! This fun—and FREE—way to engage youth, families, and adults is to challenge them to read, explore new activities, and learn new skills all summer. Research shows that students who read four or more books over the summer are better prepared for the coming school year.

Visit any Redwood City Public Library location or the link below to sign up and learn about all the fantastic summer programs offered!

Click here for more information.

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 at www.corasupport.org 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.

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