Upward Scholars helps adult students chart their own path

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09.29.2026 Upward Scholars helps adult students chart their own path After moving to the United States in 2010, Dennys spent over a decade working to help her family, as a fast-food restaurant cashier, a house cleaner, and finally a child care provider. “Even though I like what I do, I thought that I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life,” Dennys says. “I just knew deep inside that I have potential to do other things.” She had completed high school and some college in Mexico, and completed her GED in California in 2023. But in community college, she was challenged by an unfamiliar system, a more formal version of English than she was used to, and an uncertain career path. She connected with Upward Scholars, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance, academic support and counseling to help adult immigrants from low-income households pursue education and career advancement through the community college system. The program helped Dennys complete an associate’s degree in allied health. “Part of our ‘secret sauce’ is helping students learn what pathways are available and then honoring the choices they make,” says Anna Dyer, executive director of Upward Scholars. “Especially given the current climate for immigrants, students are justifiably proud of their successes and they know their education is theirs forever, no matter what happens.” Holistic support for students Upward Scholars works with about 250 adult immigrant students who attend Cañada College, Skyline College, or the College of San Mateo. The average age of the prgram's students is 37, and 73% are women. A large majority — 85% — are Latinx. About half are parents. Upward Scholars offers students multilayered support. The organization helps them navigate the community college system, from enrollment to making sure they are taking classes in the right sequence. Upward Scholars offers tutoring from community volunteers who understand the immigrant and adult learner experience. A chaplain provides counseling to those who want it. The program also helps with financial needs, including paying for textbooks and other instructional expenses not covered by the college. Dennys, for example, received reimbursement for a basic life support prerequisite class that she needed in order to apply to certain health programs. An emergency fund supports students facing unforeseen expenses or increased financial strain, due to medical emergencies or a temporary reduction in work hours, for example. The program’s students set their own goals: Some are working toward an English certificate, while others finish community college and may go on to get a four-year degree. Last year, because of support from Upward Scholars, 84% of the organization’s students continued their community college education, while 43% reported earning more income than the previous year. This past spring, 49 students earned a certificate or degree — a record for the organization, according to Dyer. Grant funding from SVCF SVCF has supported Upward Scholars through its LatinXCEL Fund and its early childhood initiatives. The organization has also received grants from some SVCF donor advised funds. “Upward Scholars recognizes that adult immigrant students already bring tremendous talent, determination and life experience to the classroom,” says Moses Zapien, executive vice president of community impact and policy at SVCF. “By removing financial barriers and helping students navigate the community college system, Upward Scholars empowers them to pursue the educational and career paths they choose for themselves.” SVCF’s support has also given the program credibility with potential donors. “It has allowed us to pursue other funding, because SVCF is so well recognized and respected in the region,” says Jessica Magallón-Gálvez, development and marketing senior manager at Upward Scholars. SVCF also supports TeacherUp, an Upward Scholars program that helps students pursue careers as early education teachers. Looking ahead The support Dennys received — including help with textbooks, food and gas gift cards, and a tutor who helped her with a statistics class — allowed her to succeed in school while continuing to work. Today, she is exploring possible next steps toward a healthcare career. “You have no idea how much it has helped me throughout this time that I’ve been in college,” Dennys says. Share This Article Categories Scholarships Effective Philanthropy Tags LatinXCEL Fund In the News Blog Post Upward Scholars helps adult students chart their own path Blog Post Supporting communities in the face of Medi-Cal changes: Pars Equality Center Blog Post The power of dreaming with community: Victor Vasquez of SOMOS Mayfair Blog Post Charitable Remainder Trusts: SVCF Can Serve as Trustee Blog Post Deadlines for 2026 year-end charitable giving and grant recommendations Blog Post Silicon Valley Community Foundation names Molly McAndrew as vice president of donor engagement

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Source: siliconvalleycf.org