Upward Scholars is a Latinx-led organization that provides adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support.

In 2016, Jennyfer migrated from Peru to the United States with a clear vision: to learn English, obtain a higher education, and build a better future. With limited economic prospects back home, she saw the U.S. as a land of opportunity, where she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

From the vibrant kitchens of Peru to the childcare centers of the Bay Area, Kiara has followed her heart, guided by a love for learning and a desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children.

Happy National Volunteer Month! 🌟 Join us in spotlighting Kelsey, one of our exceptional tutors and tech support volunteers!

Meet María, a remarkable member of the Upward Scholars family! 🎉

Happy International Women’s Day! To commemorate the day, we introduce you to the newest member of the Upward Scholars team, Kainat Khan! 👏🎉

Meet Upward Scholars student Slimane, a Moroccan immigrant studying biotechnology at Berkeley City College. 🧪🔬

Yésika was born and raised in La Habana, Cuba. Her passion for the arts led her to the University of La Habana, where she delved into the worlds of philosophy and humanities. Her dream was to teach art, but the political landscape of Cuba did not align with her aspirations.

Dulce left her home in Querétaro, Mexico, to join her sister in the United States in 2005. She quickly enrolled in English classes at Sequoia Adult School to increase opportunities in her new home.

In honor of April being National Volunteer and Financial Literacy Month, we are pleased to introduce Eric Takaha, Upward Scholars' Board Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee!

Introducing the newest member of the Upward Scholars team—Estefanía Estrada! Estefanía is a current Upward Scholars student at Berkeley City College and Merritt College and has recently joined the team as our first Student Intern in the East Bay!

If going through a global pandemic wasn't challenging enough, Natalia's entire life turned upside down when she became a single mother and sole breadwinner for her family after separating from her daughter's father in 2020.

Yadira (left) quickly realized the importance of speaking English and getting an education when she immigrated to the U.S. With Upward Scholars' support, Yadira was one student who was able to keep herself and her seven family members in their home during the pandemic.

This week's Meet the Family Friday is a special anniversary shoutout for Anuj, who celebrated 3 years of serving on the Upward Scholars Board of Directors last month!

One student whose life the Safety Net Fund significantly impacted was Claudia. Claudia came to the United States to raise her daughter and to give her the life she always dreamed of

Today's Meet the Family Friday is an extra special one as we celebrate the 4-year anniversary of our executive director and inspiring, tenacious, and nurturing leader Dr. Linda Prieto.🥳🎉