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Dear Upward,
Happy Women's History Month and happy Spring! 🌺 We hope you're all enjoying the warm and sunny weather. For those with midterm exams and projects, we wish you all the best as you power through. You can do this!
Please read through this newsletter, which includes essential information about progressing toward your goals, the Graduation Celebration, the April In-person Conversation Club, and community events and resources.
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Upward Scholars Announcements | |
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Making Progress Toward Your Goals
All Upward Scholars students are encouraged to meet with an academic counselor at their college to complete a student educational plan. A student education plan guides students on which courses to take and in what sequence to successfully achieve their academic and career goals.
After completing their academic and career goal, a student exits from Upward Scholars. For most students, this means completing a certificate, associate degree, or associate degree to transfer. Suppose a student wants to revise or extend their academic or career goal. In that case, they must 1) meet with an academic counselor at their college to complete a new educational plan and 2) contact Diana Viscarra, Programs Director at Upward Scholars, to petition to be considered a returning student in Upward Scholars.
If a student exceeds financial assistance from their college, they are no longer eligible to participate in Upward Scholars. Please direct all questions to Diana Viscarra at diana@upwardscholars.org.
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Platiquitas with Reverend Gerardo
Platiquitas provide students the chance to participate in regular small group meetings with grief counselor and Reverend Gerardo centered on how spiritual issues can manifest and affect us and how to cope with them. This is an intimate space for students who want more spiritual guidance.
To continue supporting your emotional and spiritual health, Rev. Gerardo will hold a Platiquita or virtual conversation on "Family and Community" on Friday, March 22, at 5 pm. Connect with your classmates and the reverend and discuss what "Family and Community" might mean to you.
To participate in the Platiquita, join by Zoom here.
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SMCCD Petition to Participate in Commencement/Graduation
There is still time to submit your petition to graduate and participate in commencement at the San Mateo County Community Colleges! SMCCD students applying for degrees/certificates must meet with a counselor to submit the degree/certificate application before the March 22 deadline.
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Graduation Celebration 2024!
Are you graduating this Spring? Upward Scholars needs to know which students are graduating or participating in the commencement ceremonies this Spring 2024 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 and submitted the application before the deadline, please complete this Graduation Form by no later than Monday, May 15.
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In-person English Conversation Club
The Upward Scholars English Conversation Club is an opportunity for you to build confidence in your English conversation skills via a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment.
Child care for children 3 years and older will be available.
Our first in-person Conversation Club of 2024:
Friday, April 5, 2024
7–9 pm
RSVP by Monday, April 1, to join us.
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Upward Scholars will pay your Honor Society Membership Fees
If you receive an email invitation to become a member of a college-affiliated honor society, such as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), congratulations! These honor societies are prestigious and offer many member benefits but can be expensive. Upward Scholars will pay your membership fee for students who receive these invitations.
To receive this benefit, forward the email invitation with your invite link and code to Programs Coordinator Adriana Luna at adriana@upwardscholars.org so we can pay the fee directly. Once paid, we will follow up with you.
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Spiritual Counseling with Reverend Gerardo GarcÃa Palacios
Upward Scholars offers all students and their families free spiritual and emotional counseling with Rev. Gerardo GarcÃa Palacios. People of all beliefs are welcome, and Rev. Gerardo is bilingual in English and Spanish.
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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Rainbow Kids en Español: What Does Our World Tell Young Children About...
Los niños forman conceptos fundamentales sobre el género, el amor y la familia antes de los cinco años.
Este seminario gratuito en español, ofrece información, estrategias y recursos apropiados para niños sobre:
- la comprensión de las identidades y los términos LGBTQ+,
- la práctica de los pronombres y el lenguaje inclusivo,
- la gestión de los mensajes cotidianos sobre el género, el amor y la familia y
- el poder de la afirmación
InscrÃbete usando el enlace que corresponda a tu fecha preferida. Todos son bienvenidos.
March 21, 4:00-5:30 pm
April 17, 4:00-5:30 pm
April 24, 4:00-5:30 pm
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Childcare Preview Night
Join the Child Care Preview Night to learn about available childcare resources in the community! There will be resource tables, a 4Cs presentation, food, drawing, and much more.
When: Thursday, March 21, 2024
5:30–7:30 pm
Where: Red Morton Community Center
1120 Roosevelt Ave, Redwood City 94061
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Upward Scholars at the OYE 2022 Conference
This year's Annual Orgullo y Educación (OYE) 2024 Conference focuses on "Raising Your Voice, Raising Your Community," and Upward Scholars has been invited to lead a workshop! This Latinx Youth Conference is an opportunity for Latinx youth (ages 12–22), parents, and allies to explore how they can support their community, future pathways, culture and identity, and personal development.
The conference occurs on Saturday, March 23, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, at Cañada College. We invite you to join us for our workshop "Empowering Immigrant Communities through Education" from 11:15 am to 12:25 pm. Bring your children and invite your friends, neighbors, family, and anyone you think might benefit from the conference. Register here.
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Free Tax Preparation by Tax Aid
Tax Aid is a nonprofit organization that provides properly prepared tax returns for Bay Area families and individuals with incomes less than $64,000. Tax returns are prepared at no cost by volunteers who donate their time.
Some locations offer appointments. Register here for an appointment.
Tax-Aid volunteers will be at the following locations this Saturday, March 23. Watch these short videos on what to bring with you to the tax site: https://tax-aid.org/need-tax-help/
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Oakland - Last event
Lincoln Recreation Center
250 10th Street
8:30 am – noon
Walk-in service, no appointments
Palo Alto - Last event
Mitchell Park Library
3700 Middlefield Road
Walk-in service, no appointments
10 am – 2 pm
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Redwood City
Fair Oaks Community Center
2600 Middlefield Road
Walk-in service, no appointments
10 am – 2 pm
San Francisco
Sunset Beacon Center
3925 Noriega
Walk-in service, no appointments
10 am – 2 pm
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Fresh Approach East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market
The Fresh Approach East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market is almost back! It opens for 2024 on April 10 and goes until November 20. The Market operates every Wednesday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. It is located at 2555 Pulgas Ave, East Palo Alto.
At the Farmers’ Markets, shoppers with CalFresh EBT (SNAP), WIC, SSI/SSDI, Medi-Cal, or Unemployment benefits can receive a dollar-for-dollar match to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables, essentially doubling their original food budget. Visit the information booth to get more details! They accept cash, credit, and EBT!
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Familias Unidas Workshops
Familias Unidas provides a free Spanish program for families of North Fair Oaks and Redwood City. Workshops will support parents and students by equipping them with the necessary tools to ensure their success throughout the school year, emphasizing mathematics, reading, and a growth mindset. They will also receive accurate information about the latest available health resources and resources to help their finances, a math handbook for parents, books, free school supplies, and more.
If you have any questions or need help filling out this form, please contact Teacher Zuno at 650-422-0496.
When: Classes start at the end of January and will be from 6:00–7:30 pm
Where: Online via Zoom (a reminder will be sent to you with the date and link of the workshop).
Register here.
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Digital Mental Health Support for California Youth, Young Adults, and Families
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched new digital mental health support for youth, young adults, and families.
The two easy-to-use web and app-based platforms, BrightLife Kids and Soluna, offer free, safe, and confidential support for California residents. No insurance is required.
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Second Harvest Food Distributions Near You
Our friends at Second Harvest know that living here is expensive, but your food doesn't have to be. Find a Second Harvest food distribution center near you here.
And if you also want to give back to the community, you can volunteer to help package and distribute food by signing up here. Volunteer opportunities look great on scholarship applications.
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The Unity Council's Career & Resource Center
Do you need assistance building your credit score or accessing training, computer classes, housing, rentals, or other services? Our new partners at the Unity Council's Career and Resource Center are here to help.
They are open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm (1900 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94601). Learn more about how they can help by attending an orientation in English or Spanish or visiting their website here.
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El Concilio of San Mateo County
El Concilio is committed to increasing education, employment, and access to quality services to underserved communities in San Mateo County. They have various community programs in English and Spanish, including programs to help you apply for Medi-Cal, save money on your phone or PG&E bills, and much more!
Learn more about their year-round services here or by reviewing their flyer.
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Vietnamese American Community Center of the East Bay 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.
VACCEB started 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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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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Educator and Mentor at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City
Join the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City as an EDUCATOR and MENTOR in an exciting new program for youth. This is an excellent opportunity for an early career or pre-service teacher to develop skills while earning extra money and developing relationships in the Redwood City area.
This is a part-time position for a minimum of four (4) hours per week, Sunday mornings, beginning immediately with the possibility of expanded hours. The starting salary is $30-40 per hour. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Read the full job description here.
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
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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 Programs Coordinator Adriana Luna at adriana@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.
Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF) Scholarship
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
- Some qualifications: Self-identify as a Chicana and/or Latina; full-time student; 2.0 GPA or higher
Great Minds in STEM Scholarship
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
- Some qualifications: STEM major; 3.0 GPA or higher; Hispanic and/or demonstrate leadership or service within the Hispanic community
Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation
- Application Deadline: May 17, 2024
- Some qualifications: 1st in family to attend college; 2.5 GPA or higher; open to undocumented students
Financial Aid
The FAFSA and California Dream Act applications for the 2024–2025 academic school year are NOW OPEN for those who are eligible! Complete them as soon as possible and before April 2, 2024, to secure your financial aid.
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 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.
Thank you for reading through this newsletter. We hope it was helpful to you. Please contact the corresponding programs team member if you have further questions or want help with anything you read here. Their information is below.
Onward & upward,
Upward Scholars Team
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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. | | | | |
