CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN COMMUNITY! 

Watch our video and photo montage—and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more special moments.

The Scholar Holiday Celebration is a joyful reminder of what makes LUCA so special. Each year, it is our privilege to bring the spirit of the holidays to life by welcoming Scholars and their families from across our many school districts to celebrate together as one community.

Beyond the festive music, the delicious dishes lovingly prepared by families, and the excitement of gift basket raffles, this celebration is about something deeper. It is a moment to come together as a community united by a shared belief in the power of higher education, hard work, and the dreams of college and a better life.

Being surrounded by the joy, resilience, and determination of our Scholars and their families is a beautiful reminder of why LUCA’s work is important and powerful.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the LUCA Team for making this gathering possible, with special appreciation to College Access Manager Camila Puerta Hincapié for her leadership in coordinating such a meaningful event. We are also deeply grateful to Mercy University and their leadership team for generously hosting us, and to all who donated raffle baskets—your generosity truly enhanced the evening.

As we close out the year, we wish our entire LUCA family a joyful holiday season and a bright, healthy New Year ahead. 

STRENGTHENING COLLEGE PATHWAYS FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS 

Latino U College Access (LUCA) is proud to formalize and deepen its partnership with Mercy University, strengthening pathways to college and long-term success for first-generation students across Westchester County.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and ensuring that LUCA Scholars are supported with meaningful opportunities, resources, and affordability throughout their college journeys.

Instrumental in making this partnership possible were Susan L. Parish, President of Mercy University, and Joe Del Toro, Chief Financial Officer of Mercy University and LUCA Board Member. To Susan, Joe, and the entire Mercy University team- Thank you for your leadership, collaboration and shared dedication to creating access and pathways to higher education!

We are also proud to recognize members of our LUCA community who were part of this moment, including Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, Founder and Executive Director of LUCA, Faith Ann Butcher, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, and our dedicated LUCA team, as well as LUCA Scholars Karol Toral, LUCA and Mercy University alumna, and Kevin Arpi, LUCA Scholar and Mercy University student.

Together, we are strengthening college pathways and creating opportunities for students to persist, graduate, and thrive. 

SCHOLAR CARE PACKAGES: MESSAGES OF HOPE & SUPPORT

Earlier this month, our LUCA community came together to prepare care packages for our College Scholars as they approached the final stretch of the Fall semester. We’re happy to share that these care packages have now been delivered, bringing a reminder to our Scholars that they are supported, encouraged, and never alone as they navigate finals and end-of-semester demands.

Each package was thoughtfully assembled with essentials, words of encouragement, and a whole lot of care—small gestures meant to provide comfort and motivation during a busy and often stressful time.

Included with each holiday package was a special note wishing Scholars happy and warm
holiday wishes, but also reaffirming LUCA’s continued commitment—beyond helping them get
into college, but to standing beside them every step of the way during their college. From
campus challenges to milestones and moments of doubt, LUCA remains a constant source of
support throughout their entire journey.

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated LUCA Volunteers for giving their time and energy to make this possible. Your commitment plays a vital role in supporting our Scholars beyond the classroom. 

A special thank you as well to our LUCA team, and especially Jeannette Mateo, College Success Manager, for coordinating this effort and ensuring everything came together seamlessly.

THANK YOU, MID-HUDSON VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION! 

We were honored to welcome Mario Jimenez, AVP Regional Manager, and Xiomara Solorzano, Branch Manager, from Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (MHVFCU) as they presented their generous gift to LUCA.

During this season of giving, we are especially grateful for community partners like MHVFCU. For years, their Peekskill branch team members have played a vital role in our FAFSA Boot Camps, guiding first-generation Scholars and their families through this critical step toward college. Their continued commitment to expanding bilingual access and uplifting our community has made a lasting and meaningful impact.

Thank you, Mario, Xiomara, and the entire MHVFCU team for your generosity, service, and for being a positive force in the lives of our Scholars and families. 

During the holidays, we’re reminded that the most meaningful gifts aren’t things—they’re FAMILY, HOPE, and dreams for a BRIGHTER FUTURE. 

A year-end gift to Latino U College Access (LUCA) helps first-generation Scholars turn college dreams into reality. Your generosity provides the programming, mentorship and resources students need not only to enroll in college,
but to persist, graduate, and thrive.

At a time when students face barriers to opportunity, we say:
YES, YOU CAN!

LUCA | Latino U College Access
75 Virginia Road | White Plains, NY 10603
914-828-0404  | www.lucany.org