Redwood City, CA

UPWARD SCHOLARS

EIN 45-4128140

Education & Youth Development College Access & Scholarships Immigrants & refugees Low-income

Mission

To provide adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through financial, academic, career development, and holistic support so they can transition from adult schools to community colleges, attend college part-time, and gain economic mobility.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About UPWARD SCHOLARS

Upward Scholars is a Redwood City–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports low-income adult immigrants as they transition from adult ESL and adult school programs into community colleges and into higher-paying careers. The organization provides integrated financial assistance (books, transportation, emergency aid), academic supports (tutoring, mentoring, transfer and scholarship advising), career development, and holistic services (conversation clubs, peer support, and emergency funds). Founded in 2009 (tax-exempt since 2010) by Sequoia Adult School staff and volunteers, Upward Scholars has grown into a county-wide partner to local adult schools and community colleges and publishes regular impact reports and strategic priorities. In recent years the organization has continued year-round programming, held annual Graduation Celebrations, produced multi-year impact reports (including a 2023 report and a 2025 impact/strategic summary), and maintained active storytelling and alumni engagement through student profiles and news updates (2023–2026).

Notable achievements

Expanded County-wide reach

Grew from supporting two students in 2010 to serving adult learners across multiple San Mateo County adult schools and the county community college district, formalizing partnerships with local colleges and adult schools.

Sustained student outcomes and graduations

Runs an annual Graduation Celebration and year-round tutoring/mentoring and transfer support that have helped hundreds of adult immigrant students persist in community college and earn credentials or transfer to four‑year institutions.

Regular impact reporting and strategic planning

Published multi-year impact reports and strategic priorities (including 2023 and 2025 materials) to track outcomes, program growth, and needs for students facing high cost-of-living and other barriers.

At a glance

Total assets: $1.3M
Annual revenue: $1.2M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 45-4128140
Location: Redwood City, CA
Website: www.upwardscholars.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Recognized local funder recipient — awarded competitive grants from regional philanthropic partners, including community foundations and local grant programs, to support internships, emergency funds, and program expansion.

Established community and education partnerships — formal collaborations with Cañada College, the San Mateo County Community College District, and multiple adult schools to support student transitions and services.

Active nonprofit profile and tax status — operating as a registered 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 45-4128140) with publicly available Form 990 filings and profiles on nonprofit data platforms.

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