Student Services

Previous Newsletters

Contacts at the SMC Community Colleges | Resources for Undocumented Students | Technology Resources

Adult, low-wage, English learners benefit from our financial, academic, and career development support.

We provide support for adults to continue their education in community college, get higher-paying jobs, and serve as role models and advocates for their children and our community.

Qualifications to be in the Upward Scholars program:

You must have completed an ESL program at a local adult school (e.g., Sequoia Adult School, Alameda Adult School, Santa Clara Adult School) or tested out of the English proficiency exam and be enrolled in ESL classes at a local community college (e.g., Cañada College, College of Alameda, San José City College); OR
You must have completed a High School Equivalency program at a local adult school (e.g., Sequoia Adult School, Alameda Adult School, Santa Clara Adult School) and be enrolled in classes at a local community college (i.e., Cañada College, College of Alameda, San José City College).
You must qualify for financial aid or be exempt from paying enrollment fees at your college.

*If you don’t know whether you qualify to become an Upward Scholars student, reach out to one of our staff members below for support.

Upward Scholars Applications for New and Returning Students

The Upward Scholars Spring 2024 Applications for New and Returning Students are now CLOSED!

Contact Programs Coordinator Adriana Luna at adriana@upwardscholars.org or ‪(650) 200-3444‬ if you have any questions.

Please note that new students must attend an Orientation Session. You can choose your preferred orientation date when you complete our New Student Application.

Upward Scholars Student Rights & Responsibilities Policy

All Upward Scholars students have rights and responsibilities within our community. Please read the policy linked above carefully to ensure you understand and adhere to it.

If you witness a violation of this policy by Upward Scholars students, staff members, volunteers, donors, or stakeholders, please email compliance@upwardscholars.org to submit a report.

Submit any questions or concerns about this policy to info@upwardscholars.org. A staff member will reach out to clarify.

+ Application to Request an Upward Scholars Tutor

If you’d like to work with an Upward Scholars tutor during your academic journey, complete the Upward Scholars Tutor Request Form. Contact Programs Director Diana Viscarra at diana@upwardscholars.org or (650) 254-6149 if you have questions about the tutoring program.

+ Upward Scholars Conversation Club and English Conversation Partners

Our next English Conversation Club will be virtual in September. Details and registration are forthcoming.

If you would like to improve your English conversation skills individually with an Upward Scholars volunteer, complete the Upward Scholars English Conversation Partner Request Form.

+ JobUp Referral Program

Through JobUp, Upward Scholars matches talented Upward Scholars students needing employment with Upward Scholars community members requesting students' services. If you are looking for flexible short-term or one-time referrals, fill out the JobUp Skills Form. When an Upward Scholars community member requests a service you provide, you will be matched and introduced to them via email to arrange the job details.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Programs Manager Marlene Torres-Magaña at marlene@upwardscholars.org.

+ Upward Scholars Laptop Program

If you are a current Upward Scholars student attending a local community college (i.e., Cañada College, College of Alameda, San José City College) who needs a laptop, please contact Adriana Luna directly at adriana@upwardscholars.org or (650) 200-3444.

For broken laptops or technological issues:

Students in San Mateo County, contact Sue Kayton at kayton@alum.mit.edu or (650) 853-1711 (phone calls only) to receive assistance.

Students in Alameda County, contact Lisa Dueri at lisadueri@yahoo.com or (415) 621-9533 (phone and texts accepted) to receive assistance.