Moisés' Story: "My family would be homeless if not for Upward Scholars"

Moisés earned an English proficiency (PASS) certificate from Cañada College in 2024.

Moisés immigrated to the United States in 2017 with his wife and child, settling in Redwood City. As a recent immigrant with limited English skills, he started working in landscaping to support his family. His coworkers encouraged him to learn English, and he knew this was his opportunity to move up.

In 2018, Moisés began studying English as a Second Language (ESL) at Hoover School, where he learned about Upward Scholars and the possibility of continuing his studies at nearby Cañada College. Moisés had studied computer science in Mexico, so he now had a reason to believe he could continue his studies in his new country, with the ultimate goal of joining the tech industry. 

With Upward Scholars' support, he began taking classes at Cañada in 2019. Because of his background in CS, he hoped to fast-track his studies. However, as his family's breadwinner, Moisés had to postpone his dreams to focus on taking care of his family. Even though it took him five years, Moisés never gave up on achieving his goals. He received his English proficiency certificate in 2024 and is now pursuing a certificate in Computer Science–C++ that will lead to a career in the tech world that is still his passion.

As an Upward Scholars student, Moisés has benefitted from virtually all our programs and services, from textbooks to food assistance to laptops and backpacks. But perhaps the most critical support Moisés has received is from our Emergency Fund. In 2024 and 2025, when he and his family faced financial hardship due to lost wages and unstable housing, he turned to the Upward Scholars family for support. He says, "I am so grateful for Upward Scholars. I hate to admit it, but it is likely my family would be homeless if not for the support they gave us."

For 15 years, Upward Scholars has helped adult immigrants overcome financial, academic, career, and holistic barriers to advance their higher education and economic mobility goals. With your support, we will continue providing the wraparound services so many students like Moisés need to stay focused on achieving their educational and career aspirations, even in their darkest hour. 

Donate today to show our immigrant scholars that you value them and their contributions to the local community, where they belong.