Six months ago, Upward Scholars student Isabel earned her living cleaning other people's houses. Now, she's an administrative assistant at the International Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA), a local non-profit that provides immigration-related services to residents from low-income backgrounds.

A native of Guatemala, Isabel graduated from ESL classes at Sequoia Adult School and completed Cañada College's rigorous ESL sequence. She then started working towards her certificate in paralegal studies and, soon after, was hired by IIBA.

"The International Institute of the Bay Area is delighted to hire Isabel as an administrative assistant," says Sheryl Muñoz-Bergman, deputy director of IIBA. " We believe that her knowledge of the legal system, attention to detail, bilingual skills, empathy, and customer service will be wonderful assets to our organization." 

"Upward Scholars made my new job possible," Isabel says. "They paid for my books. They gave me a tutor who helps with my classes. They got me a laptop, and, finally, they told me about the job at the International Institute and encouraged me to apply. I'm happy because, in my new job, I'll be able to help other people the way Upward Scholars helped me."

Prestigious Immigrants Rising scholarship awarded to Upward Scholars student 

Upwards Scholars student Lorenza is one of only eight Bay Area recipients to receive a  2018-2019  Immigrants Rising Scholarship! Lorenza will receive her AA from Cañada College in June 2019 and plans to study business when she transfers to university.  In her acceptance speech, Lorenza credited her daughter (on the left) with inspiring Lorenza to return to school at age 38.  

Past, present, and prospective tutors... 

You're invited to the Upward Scholars tutor/student picnic

When: Saturday, October 20, noon - 2 p.m. Carmina Ortuño and the Cielito Lindo Food Truck will cater this event.
Where: 130 Selby Lane, Atherton
What's happening:

* Get to know Upward Scholars tutors and students

* Feast on authentic Mexican fare prepared by former Upward Scholars student Carmina Ortuño

RSVP here by October 13th.