Latino U College Access

The Latino U scholars program guides students who have demonstrated academic aptitude through individualized coaching to ensure they enroll in schools that meet their unique academic and financial needs. It begins in junior year of high school when students are nominated by school counselors in partner districts. Scholars are then paired with highly-trained volunteer College coaches who provide intensive mentorship throughout the entire College admissions process, with an average of 200 hours of service per student annually.

Luca serves the broader Latino community in westchester county by sharing information and resources through community engagement. Luca delivers culturally relevant, bilingual workshops that prepare students and families to begin navigating the College application and financial aid processes. Presentations are delivered virtually or in person and include fafsa 101, pathways to College, applying to College, and paying for college.over the last ten years, community information sessions have reached nearly 7,400 parents and students from 9 westchester county high schools.

The first-gen forward (fgf) program provides comprehensive, family-centered support to Latino U scholars once they enroll in College to ensure they graduate on time and career ready. With the support of corporate volunteers, programs help scholars with resume writing, interviewing, networking, professional etiquette, and other soft skills that first-generation College students may not be exposed to.luca's culturally relevant approach has demonstrated incredible success in College completion. Over 90% of scholars have either graduated or are on track to graduate within 4 to 6 years, and 50% are enrolled at "most selective or "very selective" four-year universities.