EMPOWERING PARENTS ON THE COLLEGE JOURNEY
LUCA recently hosted an inspiring session where our parents came together to learn how to better support their children on their journeys through college. Our panel of three wonderful Moms - Maria S., Libya A., and Nancy P., shared their personal stories, their challenges and their triumphs of guiding their children- from the first moment they learned of their college dreams, to supporting them through late nights studying, working multiple jobs, driving them to and from extracurricular activities, to deciding where they would go to college and navigating the emotional journey of letting go- these inspiring mothers embraced their roles as college parents! They are now paying it forward by supporting parents of the new LUCA scholar class- sharing their lessons learned and spreading messages of gratitude, perseverance and bravery!
Our thanks to LUCA team members Haydee Davila for her leadership in preparing for this workshop and to Selena Davis and Laura Valencia for planning and executing! Shout out to Stephanie Palacios and Levi Vasquez for supporting the team.
"Last year, I sat in the corner, scared, wondering what am I going to do and where he was going? Now, I know my job is to give my son confidence—that he can do anything. As parents, we just need to assure them everything will be fine." - Nancy P. (LUCA Mom)
Nancy and Angel, White Plains HS '24, New York University '28
LUCA SCHOLAR '22 - HILARY C.O.
Hilary graduated from Sleepy Hollow High School and is a LUCA SCHOLAR, Class of ‘22. She is currently a Junior at Cornell University studying Information Science in Spanish with concentrations in Data and Behavioral Science.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Hilary and learn more about her college journey. To hear more, click HERE or watch the video above.
The 2024 LUCA Impact Report is now available! This impactful resource provides detailed information about LUCA’s mission, initiatives, successes, and the community it serves. Inside, you’ll find insights into the programs designed to empower our Scholars and create lasting positive change.
LUCA WOMEN WHO LEAD
Women's History Month is celebrated during the month of March. LUCA recognizes Board member, and Treasurer, LISA BELL, a dedicated leader and LUCA advocate who has been instrumental in advancing LUCA’s mission. With a passion for increasing opportunity and access to higher education, she brings expertise, compassion, and strategic vision to our work. Lisa's dedication makes a powerful impact every day.
"In the summer of 2019, I had been looking for a way to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I was impressed and inspired by the work LUCA was doing. Not only was LUCA enhancing the lives of students, it was changing the family tree for them. The positive result of first-generation students graduating college and entering the workforce has a ripple effect on their families and communities. The opportunity to join the Executive Board unfolded organically." -Lisa Bell
PARTNERING FOR CAREERS AND INTERNSHIPS
We are thrilled to announce LUCA recently secured a partnership with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and Blackstone’s LaunchPad Career program to deliver career readiness, leadership development and internship opportunities for LUCA College Scholars.
LaunchPad is the signature program of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation. In collaboration with Jobs for the Future (JFF), the LaunchPad Career Partnership seeks to close the opportunity gap by equipping first-generation college students with entrepreneurial skills and internship opportunities to help them build lasting careers. LUCA Scholars will participate in virtual workshops and receive career readiness and networking opportunities through the Blackstone LaunchPad.
LUCA was selected as one of six nonprofits nationwide to join this partnership program. The selected organizations have a strong track record of empowering first-generation college students through career-related services such as resume reviews, interview preparation, career coaching, and exposure to professional opportunities.
We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and partner on this incredible program for our Scholars.
HISPANIC FEDERATION AWARDS $15,000 TO ADVANCE LUCA'S TECHNOLOGY
The Hispanic Federation Latino Core Initiative awarded a $15,000 grant to LUCA to significantly expand and support LUCA’S technological initiatives. This funding will enable us to enhance our digital infrastructure, and foster greater community engagement. With this grant, LUCA will invest in platforms that will streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance the accessibility of its programs for a broader audience. This investment will also help LUCA further its mission to empower and support students by integrating technology into its programs, making them more efficient, scalable, and impactful. We are very grateful to the Hispanic Federation for their support and generous investment to strengthen LUCA's ability to serve our community and position the organization for long-term growth and sustainability in an increasingly digital world.
LUCA is proud to announce the election of our newest members to our Board of Directors,
Joseph Del Toro and Carolina Ureña.
Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, Founder and Executive Director expressed, "I am honored to welcome our newest board members. Their expertise and passion will be invaluable in driving our organization forward and amplifying our impact."
Join us for a special screening of AARP Studios’ The Hidden Power of Purpose, followed by a panel discussion and reception! The special evening will take place on May 13th at 4pm at Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY.
The Panel Discussion will be sure to motivate and inspire, featuring AARP New York, LUCA Founder, Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, and a LUCA Coach and Scholar!
Don’t miss this special event! AARP has generously sponsored the movie screening and entry tickets are FREE!
TRANSFORMING LIVES & FULFILLING DREAMS
LUCA | Latino U College Access
75 Virginia Road, 2nd fl. | White Plains, NY 10603
914-828-0404 | www.latinou.org
