September 2021 — September Conversation Club, Eviction Moratorium, Employment Opportunities, & more

Dear Upward Scholars Students,

I hope Fall semester is off to a great start. As we continue to ride the wave of the pandemic, we encourage you to get vaccinated if you are able to and continue to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

Please read through this month's newsletter as it includes September Conversation Club, information about the Eviction Moratorium, a few employment opportunities,and upcoming scholarships.

Upward Scholars Announcements

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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

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:

Friday, September 24, 2021

6:30 to 7:45 pm

RSVP by August 20 to attend and invite your friends to do so as well.

External Announcements/COVID-19 Resources

California's Eviction Moratorium and Rent + Utilities Assistance

The State's eviction moratorium has protected Californians from evictions due to lost income. This moratorium is scheduled to end on September 30th, but those who have applied for federal rental assistance cannot be evicted for six months.

If you are behind on your rent, the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides financial assistance for income eligible renters and their landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19 and have past due rent. Aid is available for unpaid utilities dating back to April 1, 2020 and for future payments as well. Utilities will be compensated at 100% of cost, limited to a total of 12 months, and paid directly to the utility provider.

Many people don't realize they are eligible. To find out if you are eligible and to apply, visit HousingIsKey.com or call 833-430-2122. In-language assistance, as well as help with eligibility requirements or filling out an application, can be obtained by scheduling an appointment with a local organization near you by calling 833-687-0967.

Share with with family, friends, and neighbors to ensure everyone remains housed!

Employment Opportunities

The Oriental Carpet in Downtown Menlo Park

General Labor & Retail / Driver - 40 hrs/week

2 Positions Available

Requirements:

  1. Clean Driving Record

  2. Must be able to lift 75+ Pounds

  3. Fluent in English – Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus

  4. Hardworking, motivated attitude

  5. Weekend Availability

  6. Long-Term Employment

  7. SSN or ITIN

Job Duties: Driving company van to customers homes, moving furniture, layout out area rugs, reinstall customer furniture, drive back to store, sweep, dust, pull rugs out from large stacks.

This is a job that requires heavy manual labor. They are looking for someone who is willing to stick around and advance into sales in the future. Pay range $18-$21/hr based on experience.

Email resume and references to Jeremy@theorientalcarpet.com.

IMPACT Bay Area Suited and Whistle Instructors

IMPACT instructors provide opportunities for people to experience victory over fear and trauma. They teach life-saving skills designed to build confidence and safety. Both positions include extensive training (200+ hours) to become part of a teaching team instructing people of a wide range of ages and backgrounds to stay safe using awareness, boundary-setting, and full-force physical defense skills. Training is paid at $16.30/hour and instructor pay starts at $25/hour.

To read the qualifications, requirements, and job description for Suited Instructors, click here.

To read the qualifications, requirements, and job description for Whistle Instructors, click here.

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

2021 White Collar Defense Diversity Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: September 30, 2021

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

Good Lawyers / Good People Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: November 1, 2021

  • Some qualifications: not related to any current Simeone & Miller employee

Live Your Dream Award

  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2021

  • Some qualifications: identify as a woman; primary breadwinner for family

Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. Scholarship for young hispanic leaders

  • Application Deadline: November 30, 2021

  • Some qualifications: enrolled full-time; undocumented students welcome; 25 years or younger

Emery Reddy Legal Studies Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: November 30, 2021

  • Some qualifications: law or legal studies major

To find an array of scholarships specific to your major or area of study, click here.

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