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 this newsletter, which includes our Graduation Celebration, Summer Application Renewal, Know Your Rights information, and other community events and resources.

Upward Scholars Announcements

2025 Graduation Celebration

Are you graduating this Spring? Upward Scholars needs to know which students are graduating or participating in the commencement ceremonies this Spring 2025 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 yet graduating, we are pleased to invite you to our 6th Annual virtual Graduation Celebration!

Join us to celebrate your peers' remarkable academic accomplishments on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3 to 4 pm.

When:

Sunday, June 22, 2025

3–4 pm

Where: via Zoom

Save this link for easy access: https://bit.ly/GraduationCelebration2025

Upward Scholars' Summer 2025 Application

The Upward Scholars Summer 2025 Applications are open! We shortened the application, and you will be required to complete the Impact Survey if you have not already. If you plan to take summer classes, apply now for the Summer 2025 Semester (due June 16) to continue receiving our support and benefits.

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

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.

Know Your Rights

You can download red cards in various languages here or pick up Spanish red cards from the Upward Scholars office (330 Twin Dolphin Dr, Ste 101, Redwood City, CA 94065).

Upward Scholars staff is typically in the office from 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you plan to stop by for red cards, please let our team know ahead of time.

Know Your Rights (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).
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 you can pick up at our office.
Have a plan for you and your family in case someone is detained. Find plan templates here.
Do not sign ICE documents or speak to ICE officers without an attorney. Get advice from an attorney about your immigration options.
Find various resources for Legal Assistance here.
The SMC Office of Community Affairs also offers an immigrant resource guide in English, Spanish, and Chinese. You can find that resource here, and you can also request free copies of the guide on that site.
Find more resources on the County’s Immigrant Service page here.

Community Opportunities

Mercadito Mama Bonita

Come shop local and find the perfect gift for mom (or yourself ) from local businesses! You can find handmade jewelry, candles & crystals, fresh flower bouquets, and sweet treats! Free entry and all are welcome!

May 8–9, 2025

12–6 pm

3009 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063

Bike to the Library

Join this event for a fun celebration of bicycling and other active ways of getting around town. Activities include bike rodeo, games and storytime, bike repairs, resource booths, and more.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

11 am–2 pm

399 Marine Pkwy, Redwood City

Redwood Shores Branch Library

Voice Showcase

YLI and Pal Center invite you to join them as they celebrate the second VOICE cohort. The showcase will feature a youth panel, arts, and a look into their vision for Redwood City. There will be food and a chance to win some prizes.

Monday, May 12th, 2025

5–7 pm

801 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City

CZI Space

ScholarMatch STEM Transfer Program

If you are planning to transfer to a four-year university in 2026 into a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field of study, this free program helps you navigate the transfer process. Sign up to attend a 1-hour information session if you are interested in receiving transfer support.

Tuesdays, May 13 & May 20

12–1 pm

via Zoom

Stuff, Swag, and Waste Sorting Day

You're invited to this sorting presentation and healthy cleaning products workshop by El Concilio promotoras! There will also be a family-friendly clothing & household item swap.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

10 am–2 pm

2625 Marlborough Ave, Redwood City

Sienna Youth Center

Lunch will be provided!

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.

Cañada College's ESL Conversation Club

Do you want additional English conversation practice? Cañada College ESL Conversation Club is a great way to practice.

Starting again in the spring, they will meet on Tuesdays from 12:30–1:30 pm in person in the Cañada College Cultural Center and on Fridays for "Cafecito" from 9:30–11 am on Zoom. For additional details, contact Meg Brosnan at margaretbrosnan@my.smccd.edu.

Yoga, Breathwork, & Meditation

Join Pal Center for a free, relaxing, beginner-friendly 60-minute session of gentle yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Find balance, release tension, and reconnect.

Every Friday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

3399 Bay Rd, Redwood City

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
Click here for more information on how Immigrants Rising defines “undocumented.”
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.

Federal & State Financial Aid

The FAFSA and California Dream Act applications for the 2025–2026 academic school year are NOW OPEN for those who are eligible! Complete them as soon as possible.

Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation

Application Deadline: May 16, 2025
Some qualifications: full-time student; transferring to 4-year university; student and parents must live in San Mateo County; first-generation student; 2.5 GPA or higher

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.