With college application and financial aid deadlines underway, LUCA is committed to bringing essential information and resources to students and their families across our partner school districts. November is a pivotal month for hosting college success workshops and financial aid information sessions.
GET IT DONE WORKSHOP
To ensure our Class of 2026 Scholars are fully prepared for the next steps in their college journey, LUCA hosted an invite-only work session for students needing additional support. During this focused session, scholars worked on their essays, college lists, personal statements, and financial aid tasks — all essential components for staying on track.
This session offered personalized guidance, dedicated time to catch up on assignments, and a supportive environment designed to set our Scholars up for success.
CSS PROFILE NIGHT
Earlier this month, our LUCA Class of 2026 Scholars joined us for CSS Profile Night, a workshop designed to give them one-on-one support as they completed the CSS Profile financial aid application.
Why is the CSS Profile important?
Many private colleges use it to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, and additional aid. It offers a more detailed picture of a family’s financial situation — helping students access the support they need to afford their dream school.
OUR AMBASSADORS PROGRAM IS BACK!
LUCA Scholars are the most important storytellers of their college journey! So this year, LUCA’s Ambassador Program was assessed and relaunched to highlight scholar voices and optimize engagement across our communications channels. LUCA Scholar Ambassadors are expected to fulfill their duties by documenting and sharing their college experiences (academic, socio-emotional, etc.), challenges and triumphs, words of wisdom for other scholars across a variety of themes and topics that are relevant to the first-gen experience.
Another facet of the program’s relaunch is assigning an Ambassador Leader (Christian S., LUCA Scholar currently in his senior year at Rochester Institute of Technology) who manages the peer-led Scholar network of connection.
Click the button below to learn more about the Ambassadors Program.
Christian S.
LUCA Scholar '22, RIT '26
HEAR FROM OUR AMBASSADORS
The Importance of Mental Health in College
"Your mental health and the quality of your work matter more than the number of credits on your schedule. That's not something anyone really says out loud when you're first-gen."
-JENNIFER V.
College Scholar Advice: Finding Balance
College brings a lot of unknowns — especially for first-year students. There’s so much to learn, new routines to build, and responsibilities to juggle. Watch our featured story to learn how LUCA Scholar Joseph B. balances academics, family, and personal growth.
THANK YOU TO A NEW SUPPORTER, AYA HEALTHCARE!
Thank you to a new supporter, AYA Healthcare! As the healthcare industry’s most advanced healthcare workforce management platform across the country, its commitment to community is one of its most notable pillars - by actively providing support to nonprofits focused on equity in health and wellness, safe shelter, and access to education.
AYA Healthcare selected LUCA to be the recipient of a special $10K community impact award to carry on our mission of creating equitable access and pathways to college and beyond- a reminder that the commitment to uplift communities transcends industries!
SOMOS CONFERENCE - "RISE, REBUILD, REIMAGINE."
A special Thank You to Assemblyman Chris Burdick for a special invitation to LUCA to be a part of the annual SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico earlier this month.
LUCA was honored to join SOMOS, Inc., a non-partisan nonprofit organization that focuses on issues affecting the Latino community in New York state. This exciting conference, rooted in justice, culture, and empowerment, brought together thousands consisting of leaders, activists, public officials, and advocates across a variety of private and public sectors. Through inspiring speakers, thoughtful and effective breakout sessions, and meaningful network building, the conference reignited our collective commitment to bring our values to life into policy, systems, and solutions that transform lives and strengthen communities- the values that are at the core of LUCA’s work and purpose.
Joining Shirley Acevedo Buontempo and Clara Roman (Board Member, Development Chair), was Ibeth A., LUCA Scholar Class of 2019, who now resides in Puerto Rico as she pursues her DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). When asked what it meant to her to attend the SOMOS Conference as part of the LUCA team, Ibeth replied:
“[The SOMOS Conference] was a heartfelt experience for me because I was able to talk about how being a LUCA Scholar has helped me make it this far in my career. It if weren’t for LUCA, I would have never figured out the college process and don’t know if I would be pursing my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine [today].”
WELCOME, CAMILA!
Please join us in officially welcoming Camila Puerta Hincapie to the LUCA Familia as our College Access Manager.
Born in Colombia and proud to be first-generation, Camila brings seven years of experience supporting first-gen scholars, leading inclusion-centered initiatives, and expanding access to higher education.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Human Resource Management at Mercy University. We’re thrilled to have her passion, experience, and commitment to student success on our team.
Camila Puerta Hincapie
College Access Manager
It Starts With You!
Your support ensures first-gen students have access to the tools, resources, and essential mentorship they need to pursue their college and career goals.
The result is Scholar success – students rising, transforming their futures, and empowered to lead.
Your generosity makes it possible!
Did you know that thousands of companies match donations to LUCA?
Matching gifts multiply the impact of your donation.
LUCA | Latino U College Access
75 Virginia Road | White Plains, NY 10603
914-828-0404 | www.lucany.org
