IMPACT REPORT 2022
Demographics
Upward Scholars students are English learners who live at or below the poverty line. But our students are much more than the challenges and hardships they encounter. They strive to better their lives—for themselves and their families. They break down barriers to help right the wrongs of economic and racial disparities in the Bay Area.
1,200+ students served since 2010
353 students served in 2022
76% identify as Latinx
73% are women | 27% are men
48% are parents
68% continued enrolled from ‘21 to ‘22
Your support enables Upward Scholars to be by our students’ side, offering financial, academic, career development, and holistic support.
Student Impact in 2022
$218,000+
in Safety Net Funds assisted 116 students and their families with basic needs
9 students
participated in professional or technical skills-building programs:
Upward Scholars’ MoveUp Programs — BusinessPro, ¡Habla Más! Spanish Coaching & Interpretation, and JobUp Referrals
and college-based programs — baking and pastry, cosmetology, dental hygiene, early childhood education, entrepreneurship, esthetics, general chef, and interior design
7 students
started their own businesses, including car detailing, jewelry-making, event planning, and cosmetics, to earn family sustaining wages and gain economic mobility
97 volunteer tutors, mentors, & conversation partners
fostered success with 99 students
We promoted food security for our students by distributing nearly 450 grocery gift cards with a total value of
over $29,000
We provided
87 students
with free computers and other technology, such as mice, keyboards, webcams, printers, and calculators
Upward Scholars students start their community college education on the English as a second language pathway, and it can take 2 to 6 years, sometimes more, to complete.
By working with our students to grow their academic and career goals, more students are completing these advanced ESL courses at our partner community colleges. Completing these prerequisites allows them to pursue general education courses if they desire to—with us alongside them. Because students lead multifaceted lives, this can take many more years.
Upward Scholars students have diverse goals and aspirations, and their journeys are rarely linear.
Some dream of earning vocational or associate degrees, sometimes even bachelor’s degrees; for others, English proficiency is enough to help them move up.
