Hire a Student Worker with JobUp

Need help getting tasks done for you, your home, or your office? Upward Scholars has a solution. 

Upward Scholars student workers can use their skills, talents, and experience to help you — whether gardening and landscaping, office and home cleaning, personal driving, shopping, short- or long-term nannying, or something else. Through the JobUp Referral Program, Upward Scholars matches our students needing employment with community members needing their services. It’s a win-win for everyone!

To request the services of talented Upward Scholars students, complete the JobUp Student Worker Request Form.

You can find out more about our program below.

JobUp Referral Program FAQs

With COVID-19 in the area, can I still hire a worker? Yes! We are still referring students. At Upward Scholars, we are following the COVID-19 guidelines set by the San Mateo County Health Department and expect all student workers and employers to do the same. 

Why is Upward Scholars providing this service to the community? Upward Scholars provides adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support. We support adult immigrants from low-income households so that they can overcome the barriers that limit their success. We provide academic support through volunteer tutors and conversation partners; career development through job training programs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities; and financial assistance to lessen the economic burden of attending community college.

How do I hire a student worker? Complete the JobUp Student Worker Request Form. Upward Scholars staff will contact you within a week. If your request is urgent, complete the form and contact Programs Manager Marlene Torres-Magaña at marlene@upwardscholars.org.

How are workers and employers matched? Upward Scholars students complete the JobUp Student Skills Form with information about their skills and experience. After a community member requests a service by completing the JobUp Student Worker Request Form, Upward Scholars staff match the employer with the student who is best suited for the job. If no Upward Scholars student is available to provide the requested service, we can refer you to our partners at the Day Worker Center of Mountain View, who may be able to fill the request. 

What kinds of jobs do Upward Scholar students do? Upward Scholars students have many different skills. If you need something done, please ask!

What can you tell me about student worker reliability and security? Upward Scholars students are reliable, honest, and responsible. Although employers and students undertake a working relationship at their own risk, Upward Scholars takes reliability and security very seriously. If you have concerns about working with one of our students, contact Programs Manager Marlene Torres-Magaña at marlene@upwardscholars.org.

How much should I expect to pay? Upward Scholars students decide the rate to charge for their work. Rates start at $20/hour ($25 minimum for jobs with a duration of one hour or less). Specialty skills require higher pay. 

How and when should I pay the student? The student and the employer agree upon the preferred method of payment prior to the start of any work. Students are paid when the job is finished. Bonuses for a job well done are always appreciated. 

How much of the payment goes to the student? 100% of the payment goes to the student. Upward Scholars does not charge for these job referral services.

Do I need to report the wages I pay for tax purposes? There is no need to report less than $750 paid to an individual per quarter or less than $1,000 per year, so reporting wages is not usually necessary for one-time or short-term jobs. For the tax consequences of payments for long-term projects or other tax questions, consult your accountant or tax return preparer. Click here for more information regarding tax-related questions.

Could I get in any trouble for hiring a student who does not have proper documentation? Since Upward Scholars is not an employment or temporary employment agency, we do not check documentation and do not perform background checks on our students. We consider information about employers and Upward Scholars students private, so our policy is to never share such information. 

Am I liable if a student is injured while working at my residence? California law requires a homeowner’s insurance policy to provide workers’ compensation for injuries incurred by a “residential employee” injured during their course of employment by the homeowner. A “residential employee” is someone who has earned more than $100 from the homeowner during the preceding 90 days. Most homeowner’s insurance policies also include coverage for personal liability and medical payments to others as a result of injury while on your property; however, you may prefer to contact your homeowner’s insurance provider for more information. Finally, as in all situations, when you invite a guest onto your property, make certain that the environment is safe and that you are not placing someone in a dangerous situation.

Click here and here for additional information about California’s workers’ compensation laws when hiring a worker at your residence. We advise that you do your own research and contact your homeowner’s insurance provider or legal advisers for details related to your situation. 

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Programs Manager Marlene Torres-Magaña at marlene@upwardscholars.org. We are happy to provide additional information or answer questions in more depth.