LUCA proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic communities. We recognize the resilience, creativity, and leadership that shape our schools, communities, and nation—honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building a more inclusive future together.
LUCA’s 13th Annual Visiones Gala is just three weeks away! This special evening brings together Scholars, Board Members, College Coaches, elected officials, and community partners for a night of hope, passion, and celebration.
Our Keynote Speaker is Emmy Award–winning ABC journalist and host of What Would You Do?, John Quiñones, who will receive the Founder’s Award for his dedication to supporting first-generation students and their academic dreams.
We will also honor PKF O’Connor Davies (represented by Robert Cordero) with the Corporate Partner Award, and LUCA Volunteer Coaches Linda Zeltner and Diane Wrobleski with the Community Advocate Award.
The evening will feature the debut of LUCA’s 2025 Impact Video, highlighting the inspiring college journeys of two extraordinary Scholars, Kate Hidalgo and Juan Rojas.
Join us to spark brighter futures for our Scholars!
September means back to school and for LUCA, that means LUCA Coaches and Essay Support teams are hard at work setting up Scholars up for success! This month, we hosted a “Coach Social” at the LUCA office for a night filled with connection, reflection, and sharing best practices!
New volunteers and returning volunteers had the opportunity to meet one another during this special evening- showing commitment, engagement, and excellent questions. It was wonderful to see so many of you in person and hear about your early experiences as Coaches!
We’re equally grateful for our returning volunteers, whose dedication continues to shape the LUCA community year after year.
Throughout the evening, volunteers mingled, connected with the LUCA team, and shared stories. A special thank you to Lydia Kris, Board Member, who began her LUCA journey as a Volunteer College Coach. She reflected on her years of service, her transition to the Board, and shared tips for strengthening the College Coach connection—highlighting the lasting impact of LUCA’s support.
LUCA is one of the only college access organizations whose mission specifically supports first-generation students with culturally relevant and bilingual programming by hosting virtual or in-person Information Sessions that have come to be known as “Padres Charla”, also known as “Parent Talks.”
Last week, LUCA hosted the first of the sessions focusing on “Paying for College/Pagando por la Universidad,” providing a step-by-step review of how to complete critical financial aid applications including the FAFSA and NYS TAP; guidance on how to finance a college education; and an explanation of the different types of aid to maximize eligibility. Over 60 attendees joined the session and expressed their sincere gratitude to the LUCA team.
Last week, we had the honor of attending Impact100’s monthly Member Mingle, where the LUCA team shared an update on the crucial programming that was made possible through their Transformational Project Grant received back in 2016. With this $100K grant, LUCA was able to launch our College Success Program, allowing us to provide ongoing guidance and support to Scholars beyond their college acceptance and well into their college years to ensure they graduate on time and are career-ready.
LUCA’s College Success Program has since become an important extension of our ability to empower Scholars to overcome challenges and barriers, and continue to achieve their academic and career goals.
We look forward to opening even more doors, creating brighter futures, and helping every Scholar reach their full potential!
Members of the LUCA team proudly joined the thousands of attendees at this year’s 2025 National College Attainment Network (NCAN) National Conference in New Orleans which was held September 8-10. This multi-day event brought together thousands of postsecondary access and success practitioners, leaders, and advocates for non-stop networking, learning, knowledge-sharing, and celebrating members from our field.
NCAN’s 2025 National Conference was thoughtfully curated to focus on issues to help organizations and leaders serve their students and communities more effectively. LUCA team members proudly represented New York at this national conference - a reminder that the fight for equity, opportunity and higher education extends far beyond Westchester!
It’s FAFSA season — and we need your help!
Over the next few weeks, LUCA will host FAFSA Boot Camps across our partner school districts. At these events, volunteers play a vital role alongside LUCA staff in providing free, hands-on support to students and families completing their FAFSA applications.
By volunteering, you’ll help expand access and ensure more families get the support they need.
Missed our virtual FAFSA training? Register to access the recording, then sign up to volunteer at an upcoming FAFSA Boot Camp! Help students complete their applications and make a difference. 💻✨
As we begin a new academic year, our Scholars face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges on their journey to and through college. In the face of these realities, LUCA continues its commitment to providing equal opportunity for all to succeed.
Please watch this short message from our Executive Director, Shirley Acevedo Buontempo. Her words capture the heart of LUCA’s mission and the importance of your continued partnership in helping our Scholars achieve their college dreams.
This month, we celebrate Grace Battaglia, Director of Marketing & Community Relations, on her one-year anniversary with LUCA! A proud first-generation
Latina, Grace brings over 15 years of experience in marketing and community engagement, helping make college dreams possible and uplifting entire communities.
LUCA
75 Virginia Road, 2nd fl. | White Plains, NY 10603
914-828-0404
lucany.org
