Upward Scholars
“The Sand Hill Foundation's multi-year support has had a huge positive impact on Upward Scholars' capacity-building, especially as a small nonprofit adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of the last few years.” — Executive Director, Linda Prieto
Driven by a vision to uplift immigrants and families from low-income households in San Mateo County, Upward Scholars was awarded a strategic planning grant in 2020 that created a four-year vision for the organization. Subsequently, Sand Hill Foundation gave Upward Scholars a two-year $80,000 general support grant. Upward Scholars’ mission is to provide adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and career development support. By providing academic, financial, career development and holistic support, students continue their education in community college, obtain higher-paying jobs and serve as role models and advocates for their children and community.
Lorenza was introduced to the organization while completing coursework at the Adult School and, with Upward Scholars’ support, recently completed her dream of a college education at Cañada College.
For participants like Lorenza, Upward Scholars is much more than a program – it is a family. She states, “Upward Scholars to me represents a support system, not just a financial one but one that changed my whole life.”
She now supports and encourages community members who want to learn Spanish as an ¡Habla Más! Spanish Coach.
This Upward Scholars career development program gives students who are native Spanish speakers the training to deliver high-quality, professional, individual, and small-group Spanish lessons from the comfort of their homes, helping them increase their income on their terms. After they are trained, Upward Scholars helps coaches find clients and determine a standard rate for their services.
Students like Lorenza benefit from a wide array of programs that help families reach upward economic mobility by centering entrepreneurship, wraparound support, and education as key levers to enact change.
