March 2022 — Bridges the Bay Recording, Upward Scholars at OYE Conference, Phi Theta Kappa Memberships, & more
Dear Upward Scholars students,
Given everything that has been going on in the world in the past month and in honor of International Women's Day earlier this week, we want to take this time to acknowledge and honor all of the Ukrainian women and children who have been forced to flee their homes to escape the ravages of war. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the atrocious war on Ukraine. While we hope this war will be over soon and Ukrainians will be able to reunite with their families and find peace in their country again, we are also aware of the challenges and instability war has on nations.
The majority of our Upward Scholars students—maybe even you—immigrate to the United States fleeing war, political instability, persecution, and deteriorating conditions in their home countries. Here at Upward Scholars, we are ready to embrace and support any Ukrainian immigrants that come to the Bay Area seeking peace. They shouldn't have to flee their homes, none of this should be happening, but we are ready to welcome them into our community if needed.
We also know this is a stressful time for you as midterms are starting or will start very soon. We want you to know that we believe in you, we are here for you, and we will support you in any way we can.
Please read through this month's newsletter as it includes our Upward Scholars Bridges the Bay recording, our workshop at the OYE conference, Phi Theta Kappa memberships, community resources and opportunities, and upcoming scholarships.
Upward Scholars Announcements
Upward Scholars Bridges the Bay Recording
Despite the fear, insecurity, and heaviness we have all been feeling as of late, we want to thank everyone who joined us last week at Upward Scholars Bridges the Bay! It was wonderful to see so many new and familiar faces. We hope you enjoyed learning all about our new partnership in Northern Alameda County and are as excited as we are for what's to come.
If you missed the event or want to share it with anyone who might be interested in learning more or even joining the family, you can find the recording here.
Upward Scholars at the OYE 2022 Conference
This year's 10th Annual Orgullo y Educación (OYE) 2022 Conference is focused on Construyendo Juntos/Building Together 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, pathways to their future, their culture and identity, as well as personal development.
The conference takes place Saturday, March 19th from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm. We invite you to join us for our workshop "Building up our Parents for a Better Future" from 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm. Bring your children and invite your friends, neighbors, family, and anyone you think might benefit from the conference. To join us, register here.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
Check your emails! If you received an email inviting you to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at your college, Upward Scholars will pay for your membership! Not only does this look great on a résumé or university application, membership also opens up countless scholarship and leadership opportunities.
If you received this email, forward it to Diana Viscarra at diana@upwardscholars.org so she can pay the membership directly.Do not pay for it yourself; reimbursements may not be possible.
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.
We will not be having a Conversation Club in March due to midterms, but save the date for our next virtual Conversation Club:
Friday, April 29, 2022
6:30 – 7:45 pm
Zoom details next month.
Spiritual Counseling with Reverend Gerardo García Palacios
Upward Scholars offers all students and their families free spiritual and emotional counseling with Rev. Gerardo García Palacios. 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.
External Announcements/COVID-19 Resources
StreetCode's FREE Technology Classes
StreetCode is now enrolling for their Spring classes. They have classes ranging from basic computer skills to coding and design for all ages and skill levels.
In particular, TechX (and the Spanish-equivalent TechEquis) is for adults who feel like they know little to nothing about technology and are interested in learning how to use a computer effectively. Various hands-on activities are provided to empower students to use tech tools and build their professional skills. Students learn how to use and manipulate web browsers, set up and learn to manage email accounts, and complete independent research projects.
Classes are on Zoom and fill up fast. Learn more and register here before March 27.
San Mateo County Immigrant Inclusion Survey
Do you identify as an immigrant AND live, work, or go to school in San Mateo County? This month, SMC launched a survey to gather information about the needs of our immigrant communities to inform the County's 1st ever Immigrant Inclusion Strategic Plan! They hope to tailor local initiatives and outreach that promote immigrant inclusion.
Please share your experience and amplify your voice before the survey closes on Sunday, March 20! Let's uplift the immigrant voices of our Upward Scholars family and community. All responses are anonymous and confidential. To complete the survey, click here.
Rainbow Kids: A Free Webinar on LGBTQ+ Topics for Parents/Caregivers of Young Children
Children develop concepts of gender, families, and love before age five. It's important that adults have the information they need to support young children in feeling safe and confident in their bodies, families, classrooms, and world.
This training is for parents, caregivers, and anyone who wants a more expansive, welcoming world for young children.
The webinar will be taught three times to ensure anyone can participate:
April 5 (4 to 5:30 pm), April 12 (5:30 to 7 pm), and April 27 (4 to 5:30 pm).
Register here.
Encanto at Flood Park (FREE)
Community members are invited to see Disney’s latest hit movie, Encanto, at Flood Park on Saturday, March 26. The free movie night will begin at 6 pm at 215 Bay Road in Menlo Park.
The event will include free popcorn, raffle prizes, and opportunities for the community to share ideas with County officials working to re-imagine Flood Park, including amenities such as sports fields, courts, play, and picnic areas, an urban forest, and more. Make your voice heard, and watch the best Disney movie to date for free!
Sonrisas Dental Health
Not sure if you can afford dental care or qualify for financial assistance? Our partners at Sonrisas Dental Health are dedicated to providing quality dental care to those who otherwise could not afford dental care. They provide these services with dignity, respect, and compassion and offer preventative and restorative services. They also take Medi-Cal Dental and offer an Affordable Scale plan which would be up to a 45% discount depending on the person's income. Click here to learn more and get your smile back!
FREE at-home COVID-19 tests
Free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government are now available! Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four tests, and orders will usually ship within 7-12 days.
Order your tests at https://covidtests.gov.
To find testing locations if you need immediate assistance, visit https://www.smcgov.org/landing-page/covid-testing.
External Employment Opportunities
Sequoia District Adult School (SAS) Job Board
SAS has its 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 me at jessica@upwardscholars.org to be paired with a volunteer who can work with you one-on-one.
SMCCC Foundation Scholarships
The next scholarship cycle for the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation is NOW OPEN! This is a single application that allows you to apply to multiple scholarships all at once. The application deadline is fast approaching on March 2, 2022, at 11:59 pm. Apply now!
Financial Aid
The FAFSA and California Dream Act applications for the 2022–2023 academic school year are NOW OPEN for those who are eligible! Complete them as soon as possible and before March 2, 2022 to secure your financial aid and enrollment in Upward Scholars.
Latinos in Technology Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 18, 2022
Some qualifications: must be of Latino or Hispanic origin; majoring in a STEM-related field; transferring to a 4-year undergraduate university; 3.0 GPA or higher
The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 18, 2022
Some qualifications: identify as female; U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Chicana Latina Foundation (CLF) Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022
Some qualifications: Self-identify as a Chicana and/or Latina; full-time student; 2.0 GPA or higher
Past recipients: Lorenza Villanueva
Upward Scholars is hosting a workshop with CLF staff and Lorenza for Latinas interested in learning more about the scholarship and application process next week on Wednesday, March 16, from 12–1 pm. Jessica will send details soon. Let her know if you're interested.
Great Minds in STEM Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 30, 2022
Some qualifications: STEM major; 3.0 GPA or higher; Hispanic and/or demonstrate leadership or service within Hispanic community
Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation
Application Deadline: May 1, 2022
Some qualifications: 1st in family to attend college; 2.5 GPA or higher; open to undocumented students
Past recipients: Marta Lily Silva, Mario Silva
Click here to find an array of scholarships specific to your major or area of study.
If you know of any other scholarship opportunities with deadlines in the next few weeks or months, please email me at jessica@upwardscholars.org, and I 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.
Onward and upward,
Jessica & Elías