Upward Scholars' Fall Application, Student Review Process, September Conversation Club, & more

Dear Upward,

The Fall Semester is upon us! The Upward Scholars team is busy preparing for a promising new academic year. We hope you're excited about the new semester and another chance to progress toward your goals.

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 & Student Review Process

The Upward Scholars Fall 2024 Application is open! Apply now for the Fall 2024 Semester by September 6 and complete the eligibility requirements to continue receiving our program services and benefits.

Please note that all returning students are placed under review upon submitting their applications. They must submit the required documents as soon as possible to continue receiving Upward Scholars benefits.

The Upward Scholars staff and Student Ambassadors are holding 30-minute appointments to help students complete the requirements via Zoom or in person. If you have any questions or need help completing the process, schedule an appointment with our team immediately.

You can schedule a student review process appointment here.

For all other inquiries, you can contact our staff using the contact information at the end of this newsletter.

In-person English Conversation Club

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

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

Our next in-person Conversation Club:

Friday, September 20, 2024

7–9 pm

1020 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025

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 "Faith in times of adversity" on Friday, August 23, 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.

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.

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