Upward Scholars students are English learners who live at or below the poverty line. But our students are much more than the challenges and hardships they encounter. They strive to better their lives—for themselves and their families. They break down barriers to help right the wrongs of economic and racial disparities in the Bay Area.
1,500+ students served since 2010
253 students served in 2025
85% identify as Latinx
10% identify as Asian
5% identify as White
74% are women | 26% are men
56% are parents
30% are single parents
84%retention from ‘24 to ‘25
Student Impact in 2025
With your support, we provided
over 10,000 hours
of financial, academic, career development, and holistic support to students in need
98% of students
improved their English proficiency, leading to a
80% increase
in graduation rates, and
over 40%
increased their earnings
193 students
benefited from freetextbooks and course materials
45 students
received laptops and other technology support
We promoted food security for
155 students and their families,
with a total value of
over $53,000
53 pairs
of volunteer tutors and mentors fostered success with students
$25,000
in Emergency Funds assisted
9 students and their families
facing financial emergencies
We provided
240 hours
of emotional and spiritual counseling to students and their families
34 students
received community college certificates of achievement in fields including accounting, business administration, and early childhood education
23 students
earned AA/AS degrees
*8 students earned both associate degrees and certificates of achievement
Organizational Impact in 2025
Upward Scholars’ budget grew to
$1,700,000+
enabling us to continue offering in-depth and individual-focused services to support our students in breaking the cycle of poverty
