February 2019 Newsletter
 A passion for style – and Upward Scholars support – transform a student’s life
Statistically speaking, Upward Scholars student Rosa faced an uncertain future.

At age 13, an abusive home life led Rosa to get in with the wrong crowd. She did drugs, joined a gang, and ran away from home, becoming a regular at Juvenile Hall.

At 16, Rosa left home for good and, soon after, dropped out of high school so she could work enough hours to pay her rent. When she was 21, Rosa gave school another chance, enrolling at Sequoia Adult School and earning her high school diploma in just five months.

Rosa’s life turned around when a counselor, noticing Rosa’s passion for style, suggested she enroll in the cosmetology program at the College of San Mateo (CSM).

But CSM’s 15-month long cosmetology program isn’t cheap. With books, uniform, shoes, and a complete cosmetology kit, program costs, not including tuition, come to about $2,000, far more than Rosa could afford.

Upward Scholars support made it possible for Rosa to turn her life around. 
Rosa with her high school diploma teacher, Rhea Dryer, at the Sequoia Adult School graduation.
Rosa learns her craft by practicing on a classmate.
“When I was accepted in the cosmetology program, I knew that studying cosmetology would give me the knowledge to become an independent and successful woman,” Rosa says. “Upward Scholars made a good future possible for me, and for that I will always be grateful.”
Join us Fri., Mar. 22 nd from 7-9pm
Conversation Club
Sequoia Adult School, 3247 Middlefield Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Please RSVP here no later than Fri., Mar. 15 th .
Conversation Club photos courtesy of Mary Bender.
Upward & Onward Celebration:
New Faces, New Spaces
Over 140 community members – students, donors and tutors – gathered at our New Faces, New Spaces Celebration on Jan. 25th. We shared in conversation and a home-cooked meal prepared by students and former students . Many thanks to all for helping us honor Upward Scholars Founder, Elizabeth Weal, welcome new Executive Director, Dr. Linda Prieto, and enjoy our new office space!
Photos courtesy of Upward Scholars student María del Rosario Burton .
(650) 383-8449