This summer has been one of LUCA’s busiest yet—with our largest-ever cohort of 112 Scholars in the Class of 2026 and the most College Coaches we’ve ever had.
Summer is a critical time as Scholars prepare for senior year by working closely with their Coaches to build balanced college lists, complete activities lists, and create Common App accounts. In September, they'll begin tackling supplemental essays and early applications.
LUCA College Coaches play an essential role—offering personalized guidance based on each Scholar’s goals, whether applying Early Action or exploring a wider range of schools. No matter the path, one thing remains constant: LUCA Coaches are with their Scholars every step of the way.
Meet Alejo Mujica and his Scholar, Andy!
One of our incredibly talented and dynamic College Coach-Scholar duo is Alejo Mujica, research scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Andy C., Ossining High School student with a passion for biochemistry/biology.
Alejo and Andy have formed a special connection that truly exemplifies the power of LUCA's mentorship. At their Meet & Greet discussion, Andy shared his hopes, dreams, and Alejo shared his own scientific and educational background. By their next meeting, Andy shared with Alejo that their discussion had encouraged him to pursue mechanical engineering and that their conversation had helped him tremendously.
Alejo proudly shares “Andy is a talented budding engineer, he has hands-on experience, amazing 2D and 3D drawing skills. He shines and gets excited when speaking about engineering. He has the mind of an engineer. It gave me immediate feedback on the impact we have as mentors.”
Can’t attend? Sponsor a Scholar or Purchase a Journal Ad.
Contact: gbattaglia@lucany.org
Expanding FAFSA Access Through SUNY Impact Foundation Partnership
LUCA is proud to partner with the SUNY Impact Foundation to expand access to financial aid education and college planning resources for our communities.
Through this partnership, LUCA leads virtual sessions like:
Completing the FAFSA Application – Step-by-step guidance to help families accurately complete and submit their FAFSA.
Paying for College – A clear overview of the financial aid process, including FAFSA, TAP, and the CSS Profile.
Back to School Means FAFSA Season —
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
FAFSA season is almost here, and the LUCA team is gearing up for another busy and impactful FAFSA Bootcamp Season!
Each year, LUCA staff and volunteers visit local schools to provide hands-on support to students and families completing their FAFSA applications—a vital step in making college accessible for first-generation students.
We need your help!
Join us in supporting our communities by volunteering at one of our upcoming FAFSA Bootcamp sessions. Your time and volunteerism can make a life-changing difference.
Sign up to volunteer or learn more:
LUCA Scholar, Dayana (Class of ’22), is a first-generation college student and rising senior at Villanova University who knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the college journey. She credits LUCA’s support with helping her navigate her own path.
Now, she proudly serves as a College Coach, offering academic and emotional support to a Class of 2026 Scholar. Her story shows the powerful ripple effect of mentorship, community, and giving back—listen to what she has to say about being a volunteer College Coach in the video below.
Earlier this month, the LUCA team came together for a special retreat at the beautiful Point Beach Club in Mamaroneck. The retreat featured open conversations and thoughtful exercises that encouraged both personal and professional growth. Through shared laughter, honest dialogue, and teamwork, one message rang loud and clear: every member of the LUCA team is deeply committed to our mission and passionate about uplifting the communities we serve.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day so impactful—and a special thank you to LUCA Board Member Mark Ellman for hosting the LUCA team in such a beautiful and welcoming space.
LUCA | Latino U College Access
75 Virginia Road, 2nd fl. | White Plains, NY 10603
914-828-0404
lucany.org
