What is Hire UP?
The Hire UP program offers financial and academic support to students who have been formerly incarcerated, recipients of CalWORKs, and former foster youth. We support students in achieving academic success, alleviating financial stress, and staying on track to reach their educational and career goals. The program also fosters a sense of belonging and stability, recognizing that holistic support is essential for retention, persistence, and long-term achievement.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. Citizens, eligible non-citizens, or exempt from paying nonresident tuition per 68130.5.
- Must be a CalWORKs, Foster Youth, or formerly incarcerated (within the last 3 years) and is currently participating in the Rising Scholars Program.
- Must be enrolled at least part-time (6 units or more) in a certificate or degree program with a campus of record at Mesa College.
- Must have a current FAFSA/CADAA on file.
- Must have unmet financial need.
- Remain in good academic standing.
Services Offered
- Monthly award starting at $1,300 and up to $2,700, amount is determined based on the units student is enrolled in per month.
- Financial literacy workshops
Student Testimonials
BB: “Thank you so much, hired up program has help me in life. My life has improved from be homeless with my two kids few months ago to get home, and opportunity to continue school. Thank you hired up program I'm no homeless and I am succeeding in my career. As a single mother with no family in this country life has been challenging. Hired up program provided me the opportunity to succeed in school and provided the resources need it. My mental health, heart condition and life has improved with hired up program.”
MG: “I truly can't begin to express how much the stipend has helped me, I now prioritize school because of it and don't have to work full-time and attend school. I was overwhelmed and would cry but now I can fully focus on school without feeling burned out. The program is life changing and everyone is great at responding in a timely manner. I have no complaints.”
FJ: “As a new resident in California with children and an economically unstable life ,I was not able to move on with my personal and academic life successfully. The Hire UP program raised me from the ground by helping to alleviate my financial hardship and empowered me to improve my life circumstances. I am so thankful to the SD SSE admin and the Hire UP program for providing me such essential support to achieve my academic and personal goals.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply every semester?chevron_right
No, Hire UP is a year long program.
What is an unmet need?chevron_right
This is determined by the Financial Aid Office and is based on student’s the FAFSA or CADAA.
Where do I send the verification letters?chevron_right
Please upload verification to the Hire UP application or email letters directly to Leticia Diaz at [email protected]
How much money will I get awarded?chevron_right
This depends on the amount of credits students are enrolled in per month.
- 6 – 8.99 Units 20 Hours Up to $1,360 Monthly $5,440 per Semester
- 9 – 11.99 Units 30 Hours Up to $2,040 Monthly $8,160 per Semester
- 12 + Units 40 Hours Up to $2,720 Monthly $10,880 per Semester
The total amount is determined by the Financial Aid Office.
What do I need to submit in the application?chevron_right
Complete application-- https://bit.ly/HireUPApplication2526
Essay: How will the Hire UP program assist you in being successful at Mesa?
Verification Letter/s: Confirming release from incarceration within the last 3 YEARS, ward of the court letter, OR verification of CalWORKs recipient
Please note that completing an application does not determine eligibility. All applications will be thoroughly reviewed by the Hire UP team, and students will receive a formal email confirming eligibility for the program.
Are the awards direct deposit? chevron_right
Awards are distributed however students have it listed on Campus Solutions. This will either be direct deposit into a bank account or a mailed check.
Will the award be considered income for tax and CalWORKs eligibility purposes?chevron_right
No, because the money is not income, it’s an award the same way a scholarship is.
Can I participate/apply again if I already did?chevron_right
Yes. Students are not selected on a first come first serve basis and does not give priority to those who have already participated. The Hire UP team does a holistic review of ALL who apply by considering all factors of the students’ application.
Once admitted into the Hire UP program, how do I report the workshops?chevron_right
Students will need to submit here: bit.ly/HireUP2526Workshops (2 Required EACH semester)
Once admitted into the HireUp program, when will I receive the award? chevron_right
By the last day of each month. If you do not receive it, please contact Leticia Diaz at [email protected].
