  LUCA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS EARN PRESTIGIOUS QUESTBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIPS LUCA is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our scholars. This year, three of our exceptional students have been awarded full, four-year QuestBridge Match scholarships to prestigious colleges, a testament to their dedication, resilience, and hard work. We couldn’t be prouder of their success—please join us in congratulating these inspiring individuals!
LUCA PROGRAM: FAFSA BOOT CAMP LUCA held its first of seven FAFSA Boot Camps for students and their families. Our FAFSA Boot Camps provide invaluable support for high school scholars and their families as they navigate the often complex process of applying for federal student aid. These volunteers and 10 LUCA staff members offered hands-on guidance to ensure forms are completed accurately and on time, helping to eliminate barriers to accessing higher education.
Special thanks to Cathy Maroney, Sr. Volunteer Manager, for recruiting the volunteers, and to Stephanie Palacios, LUCA College Financial Aid Advisor, and to the entire LUCA Team for making this workshop seamless.    LUCA COLLEGE SCHOLAR: JENNIFER V., As a first-gen Scholar, traveling to Europe might seem like an impossible dream. However, LUCA Ambassador Jennifer V., LUCA Scholar ’23 and Binghamton University Class of ’27, is thriving this semester in Utrecht, Netherlands. “What started as an intimidating journey into the unknown has blossomed into the most enriching chapter of my life. Living in Utrecht has opened my eyes to just how special my Latin American heritage is.. This semester isn’t just about academic growth – it’s about the lifelong friendships, the cultural understanding, and the personal development that comes from truly immersing yourself in a new way of life.” Read more about our Jennifer’s journey here.  LUCA PARTNER: MORGAN STANLEY We are grateful for Morgan Stanley’s Career Exploration Day which provided an immersive experience for 20 Scholars. The day offered valuable insights into careers in finance, banking, and related fields while fostering their professional growth and inspiration. Scholars participated in a campus tour, engaged in a networking lunch, and explored internship and program opportunities designed to support their career aspirations. Thanks to LUCA Board member Miguel Mendez, and Morgan Stanley staff members Kristen Jarema, Krissy Hallinan, and Rodrigo Suarez-Navarro, LUCA Scholar ’16, for organizing this wonderful event.   SENDING LOVE & SUPPORT: LUCA takes pride in supporting our College Scholars beyond the classroom by sending care packages during the stressful finals weeks, and to remind them the LUCA familia is supporting them. 86 packages filled with practical essentials, notes, and small treats, served as a token of encouragement as they prepared for exams. Each package reflects LUCA’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and motivating our scholars to continue striving for excellence. These care packages symbolize our unwavering support for their journey toward success.  Juan L.: “I just received the package, and I just want to say thank you so much for putting the time and effort into assembling these boxes with all the stuff inside. This truly means a lot to me and the hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!” LUCA PROGRAM: FAFSA VIRTUAL TRAINING On December 5th, LUCA hosted an interactive training session to empower 20 of our volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to support students and families in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Whether new to FAFSA or looking for a refresher, this training was designed to prepare participants to make a meaningful impact during our Financial Aid Bootcamps. Together, we’re ensuring every student has the opportunity to access the financial resources they need to pursue higher education. Interested in becoming a Volunteer FAFSA coach?  Take a sneak peek of our training video. LUCA FRIEND: RAFAEL PALOMINO Team LUCA gathered for a holiday lunch at Sonora Restaurant, graciously hosted by our dear friend and Board member, Rafael Palomino. Thank you for sharing your beautiful restaurant with us and for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission.  CELEBRATING LUCA LEADERSHIP  Congratulations Shirley Acevedo Buontempo and Jenn Polanco-Calderon. On Wednesday, December 4, Shirley received the prestigious Nonprofit Westchester Individual Changemaker Award highlighting her dedication to empowering communities and driving meaningful and positive change for first-generation Latino students, Together, Shirley and Jenn inspire us all to strive for excellence. Well done! Warmest wishes from all of us at LUCA for a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with hope and possibility. Thank you for making a difference! Shirley, Julie, Jenn, Kaylin, Laura, Levi, Stephanie, Selena, Jailine, TRANSFORMING LIVES & FULFILLING DREAMS LUCA | Latino U College Access     |
