10 Upward Scholars earn Associate Degrees...a record!
Friends and family from six countries gathered virtually to celebrate twenty-six Upward Scholars students who graduated from Cañada and Skyline Colleges. A record number of students received Associate degrees.
Watch the Graduation Ceremony now
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May Virtual Coffee Chat Recording
Yesterday over 70 supporters and students attended Upward Scholars first-ever "Virtual Coffee Chat". Thank you to all who joined - it was truly an inspiring event! If you missed it, or want to share, click below to watch.
Watch now
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Upward Scholars COVID-19 April Update
Dear Friends,
Many of you have reached out to ask how our students are doing during these unprecedented times. Like many nonprofits, we continue to focus on our mission, while pivoting to meet our students’ most pressing needs.
Watch the ED’s COVID-19 Update
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Upward Scholars laptops boost whole families
When Natalia received a laptop from Upward Scholars, her nine-year old daughter Camila was incredulous. “Mommy, why did you get a laptop?” she wanted to know. “It’s because I’m working hard in my school,” Natalia said. “So if I work hard and get a laptop, maybe you can too.”
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When a mom and her son speak different languages
Many immigrant parents aspire to have bilingual children. But for Delmy, an Upward Scholars student from El Salvador, that will never be an option. As a toddler, Delmy’s son Adan was diagnosed with a severe language delay. As a result, he has been able to process only one language.
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Setting Upward Scholars students up for success
With your help, our students embark on life-changing educational opportunities that empower them to live up to their full potential.
It’s been an incredible year of growth, and we have so much to be thankful for at Upward Scholars.
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How Upward Scholars tutors helped salvage an education
Like many Upward Scholars students, Obed came to the United States with limited formal education — six years to be exact. But Obed was determined not to let lack of formal schooling stand in his way.
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Alumnus profile: From line cook to civil engineer
When Upward Scholars alumnus Amado came to the US from Mexico in 2011, he started at zero. “I couldn’t communicate in English. I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have any experience in this country,” Amado says.
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One student's story: From the impossible to the possible
When Isela came to the U.S. from Mexico seven years ago, she had no intention of continuing to study accounting, the career she’d chosen in her home country. “It seemed impossible,” Isela recalls. “I didn’t know English, so how could I be an accountant?”
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How Upward Scholars' Conversation Club inspired a student to “move up”
Upward Scholars student Doris was in a rut. Her job as a caregiver was taxing both physically and mentally, her schedule was constantly changing, and the pay was low.
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Another Record: Eight Upward Scholars Students earn AA/AS degrees!
It’s another record: 8 Upward Scholars received AA/AS degrees this spring, up from two students in 2018! Fields of study include Early Childhood Education, Economics, Human Services, Social Science, Paralegal Studies…
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Upward Scholars students win big at Cañada College awards ceremony!
It’s a record: 15 Upward Scholars received scholarships from the San Mateo Community College Foundation this year, up from seven students in 2018!
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First Upward Scholars student graduates from UC Davis!
Congratulations to Rick, the first Upward Scholars student to graduate from UC Davis.Rick embarked on his first entrepreneurial endeavor at age eight.
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How Upward Scholars helps combat food insecurity
Upward Scholars student Luis recently reduced his work schedule from 50 to 25 hours a week, so he’d have more time to study. While Luis’s finances are tight, he knows he’ll never go hungry while at college…
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A passion for style – and Upward Scholars support – transform a student’s life
Statistically speaking, Upward Scholars student Rosa faced an uncertain future.
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Upward & Onward Celebration: New Faces, New Spaces
Over 140 of our favorite students, donors and tutors gathered and shared in conversation and a home-cooked celebration, including pupusas, tamales and tres leches cake.
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Beyond ESL: Upward Scholars students embrace fashion design
Elizabeth and Blanca model their final projects for their Beginning Clothing Construction class.
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Upward Scholars announces new Executive Director
Upward Scholars has announced that Dr. Linda Prieto will be the organization's new executive director starting Monday, October 22nd. Founder Elizabeth Weal will continue to play an active role in Upward Scholars, serving as an advisor and a member of the Upward Scholars Board.
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Upward Scholars Student Lands Job Helping Immigrants
Six months ago, Upward Scholars student Isabel earned her living cleaning other people's houses. Now, she's an administrative assistant at the International Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA), a local non-profit that provides immigration-related services to residents from low-income backgrounds.
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Introducing our first student-led fundraiser: You're invited to an Upward Scholars Zumba party!
Upward Scholars student Raquel began dancing when she was three. Now, she's using her love of dance to host the first-ever student-led Upward Scholars fundraiser: A Zumba party!
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