July 2021— A Note on Upward Scholars' Operations, Dean's List, Spiritual & Emotional Counseling, Conversation Club, & more

Dear Upward Scholars Students,

I hope the summer semester is going well and that you are managing to stay cool amidst the heat.

Please read through this month's newsletter as it includes an update on Upward Scholars operations, a Dean's List photos request, free Spiritual and Emotional Counseling sessions, Conversation Club, external program opportunities, and upcoming scholarships.

Upward Scholars Announcements

Upward Scholars operations will remain virtual through the end of the year

As COVID-19 restrictions loosen throughout California and in the Bay Area, we encourage you to continue meeting virtually with tutors, conversation partners, mentors, clients, etc. Upward Scholars does not require nor encourage in-person sessions at this time.

Note: Upward Scholars staff will continue operating virtually through the end of 2021. We will revisit the possibility of in-person operations in 2022.

Dean's List Recipient Recognition

Dean's list letters for the Spring 2021 semester should be going out in the next few weeks to students who earned a 3.3 GPA or higher during the spring semester. If you receive a Dean's List letter, please take a photo of yourself with your letter and send it to me at jessica@upwardscholars.org or (650) 254-6274 as soon as possible. We will be recognizing recipients later this month via social media.

Spiritual and Emotional Counseling with Reverend Gerardo García Palacios

Upward Scholars offers all students and their families free spiritual and emotional counseling with Rev. Gerardo García Palacios (right). The pandemic has affected all of us and we want you to express your struggles and be heard in a safe, confidential, and virtual environment. People of all beliefs are welcome and Rev. Gerardo is English-Spanish bilingual.

Schedule a session with Rev. Gerardo by emailing him at pastorgarcia1679@outlook.com or calling/texting him at (650) 387-9174. Tell him your full name and if a family member schedules a session, they should also give the name of the Upward Scholars student they were referred by.

Save the Date — Virtual Conversation Club

The Upward Scholars Conversation Club is an opportunity for you as students to build confidence in your English conversation skills via a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment.

Save the date for our next virtual Conversation Club on:

July 30, 2021

6:30 to 7:45 pm

RSVP by July 26 to attend and invite your friends to do so as well.

External Announcements/COVID-19 Resources

Fresh Approach's Free VeggieRx Program

VeggieRx is a 16-week program to help families learn about nutrition and healthy food choices. There will be 8 classes, one every two weeks, taught over Zoom, and two in-person meetings to measure participants' BMI and weight. Participants will learn basic nutrition concepts and new healthy recipes, as well as earn $7 coupons per household member each week they attend class to spend at Fresh Approach's Farmer's Market.

The program starts on August 5th and takes place every other Thursday from 5:30–7 pm. Spanish speakers can register here. If you sign up, please let me know at jessica@upwardscholars.org.

Employment Opportunities

Sequoia District Adult School (SAS) Job Board

SAS now has their very own job board to help students like you find jobs. There are a variety of positions in various industries. Visit their website to learn more.

If you hear of any employment opportunities, please contact Jessica at jessica@upwardscholars.org and she will share them with all Upward Scholars students.

Upcoming Scholarships

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 Jessica at jessica@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.

Future Leaders in Tech Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: August 20, 2021

  • Some qualifications: Interested in/studying technology, computer science, or engineering; 3.0 or higher

BELDON® Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: September 1, 2021

  • Some qualifications: majoring in business, management, communications, marketing or related field; 3.5 GPA or higher

2021 White Collar Defense Diversity Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: September 30, 2021

  • Some qualifications: all African American and Hispanic undergraduate; 3.0 GPA or higher

If you know of any other scholarship opportunities with deadlines in the next few weeks or months, please email Jessica at jessica@upwardscholars.org, and she will share them with all Upward Scholars students.

Thank you for reading through this newsletter. I hope you found it helpful. If you have any further questions or want help with anything you read here, please reach out to me at jessica@upwardscholars.org.

Onward and upward,

Jessica