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SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHTS

Every journey has a story.

Finding Your Place by Creating Community

“If you’re feeling out of place, give it time and don’t be afraid to create your own community.”

Yesenia P.

SUNY Oneonta ’25 | LUCA Scholar ’21 

Yesenia almost transferred after her first year of college. 

The step she took next changed her entire perspective on college and community.

READ YESENIA'S STORY

More Scholar Stories

Explore stories from LUCA Scholars and Alumni across different experiences and achievement

A Scholar's Talent and Dedication Earns her a Full Ride to Yale!​

MIA R.

Yale University ’30
LUCA Scholar ’26

“Now, I will be able to attend Yale without causing financial strain upon my family. I am so blessed for the opportunities that I have received like this full ride, and I am so blessed to have people like you in my life that are helping me obtain my dreams…”

Ready Mia's Story

From New Rochelle High School to the Global Science & Engineering Stage​

CARLOS D.A

Harvard University ’30
LUCA Scholar ’26

Carlos has just been named a finalist at the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair, the largest pre-college STEM competition in the world.

Read Carlos's Story

A Milestone Achieved: From LUCA Scholar to Future Physician​

DORIZ Y.

Central Michigan University College of Medicine
LUCA Scholar ’19

“I was really shocked! Seeing the culmination of so much hard work placed into the body of a short email was a lot to process. I immediately FaceTimed my mom to let her know…”

Read Doriz's Story

Summer 2026 Internships

Hear from LUCA Scholars about their internship experiences, what they learned, and how these opportunities are shaping their futures.

JUAN R.

Dartmouth College ’27
LUCA Scholar ’23

Major: Electrical Engineering

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Global Client Group Intern 

“Because of this internship, I gained a broad understanding of the asset management space and learned a lot about what I do and don’t want in a job.”

Read Juan's Story

JANIRA M.

Columbia University ’28
LUCA Scholar ’24

Major: Political Science & Human Rights

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Learning and Development Intern

“Because of this internship, I am so excited and more motivated than ever to become a lawyer.”

Read Janira's Story

GABY M.

Elon University ’28
LUCA Scholar ’24

Major: Strategic Communications & Business Analytics

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Media Marketing Intern

“Because of this internship, I was able to apply what I’ve learned in both my communications and business classes to real-world projects.”

Read Gaby's Story

ANDREA A.

Manhattanville University ’28
LUCA Scholar ’24

Major: Creative Writing & Communications Studies
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Acting Director of Communications & External Affairs Intern

“Because of this internship, I know how to work as a team in the press industry.”

Read Andrea's Story

College Scholars Abroad

Hear from our Scholars as they share their experiences navigating study abroad as first-generation college students.

ASHLEY C.

SUNY Oneonta ’27
LUCA Scholar ’23

“My advice for future Scholars is to take risks and say yes to new opportunities, especially the ones that scare you a little.”

Read Ashley's Story

DAISY G.

Bucknell University ’27
LUCA Scholar ’23

“My biggest culture shock was hearing everyone use the phrase ‘pura vida’ so frequently and in so many different ways.”

Read Daisy's Story

ASHLEY J.

Case Western Reserve University ’27
LUCA Scholar ’23

“My favorite memory was probably spending time with kids at an under-resourced school. It was fulfilling because although we were the ones teaching them, they also taught us Thai and were super patient, kind, and excited to be with us. 

Read Ashley's Story

LEA B.

New York University ’26
LUCA Scholar ’22

“Being uncomfortable helps you grow! Leaving home alone was terrifying at first but now I would do it all over again.”

Read Lea's Story

Watch More Videos

Hear directly from LUCA Scholars and Alumni through our video series.

DAYANA T.

Villanova University ’26
LUCA Scholar ’22

HILARY O.

Cornell University ’26
LUCA Scholar ’22

EMILY A.

Columbia University ’29
LUCA Scholar ’25

QuestBridge Matches

Meet the LUCA Scholars who have matched with top colleges and universities through QuestBridge.

JOSH M.

Boston University ’30
LUCA Scholar ’26

“Matching through QuestBridge showed me that effort can go a long way. The LUCA team—especially my coach, Josué Zamora—motivated me through difficult moments to aim higher and give my best.”

Read Josh's Story

MARIANGEL O.

Cornell University ’30
LUCA Scholar ’26

“The QuestBridge match not only fulfills my dream of studying at Cornell, but also the dream of doing so without financially burdening my parents.”

Read Mariangel's Story

CARLOS D.A

Harvard University ’30
LUCA Scholar ’26

“Being matched to an Ivy League university like Harvard—free of debt—has changed the game for me and my family. I will be the first in my family to attend college and take on these financial responsibilities.”

Read Carlos's Story

SOPHIA F.

University of Pennsylvania ’30
LUCA Scholar ’26

“Going from not even knowing about QuestBridge to matching through the program means everything to me and my family. It represents a promise for my future.”

Read Sophia's Story

RAUL S.

Vassar College ’30
LUCA Scholar ’26

“College has always been a future I dreamed of as a first-generation student, but the cost made it feel frightening for my family. Thanks to LUCA’s support, I was able to give my parents peace of mind by showing my potential through QuestBridge…”

Read Raul's Story
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Finding Your Place by Creating Community

“As a first-generation college student attending a predominantly white institution (PWI), I often felt out of place. I didn’t see many people who looked like me, and for the first time, I was away from my family and everything I had known.

 

I was experiencing so many emotions at once which is normal as a freshman in college. I felt overwhelmed, excited, uncertain, and, most of all, unsure if I truly belonged there.For a while, I genuinely felt like college might not be for me. I even started looking into transferring schools. But eventually, I realized that I needed to give myself time to find my community and create a space where I felt like I belonged.

 

During the spring semester of my freshman year, I came across flyers for Residential Advisor positions. I remembered reading a book in high school about the opportunities and impact that came with being an RA, so I decided to go through the interview process. I told myself, “If I get the job, I’m meant to stay. If I don’t, maybe that’s my sign to go.”

I got the position! Looking back, that opportunity became a turning point for me. It gave me a sense of purpose, allowed me to build relationships, and helped me find the community I had been looking for.
What started as a decision to give college one more chance ultimately led me to graduate as SUNY Oneonta’s class of 2025 President and finally feel like “I belong here”. 
 
-Yesenia P.

 

Scholar Spotlights

A Milestone Achieved: From LUCA Scholar to Future Physician

Congratulations to LUCA Scholar Doriz, Class of 2019, on her acceptance to medical school!

We’re beyond proud to celebrate this incredible milestone with Doriz, who will be starting the M.D. program at Central Michigan University College of Medicine this August! Her journey is a powerful testament to the strength of determination, community, and purpose.

Reflecting on the moment she received her acceptance, Doriz shared: “I was really shocked! Seeing the culmination of so much hard work placed into the body of a short email was a lot to process. I immediately FaceTimed my mom to let her know, which prompted happy tears on both ends. I also reached out to some friends, including Miryam, my fellow LUCA Scholar and med student, who has given me a tremendous amount of support and guidance in this process.

Overall, it was such a surreal moment, and I’m excited to take the next steps in my career as a future physician.”

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Scholar Spotlights

Matched to Boston University | QuestBridget National College Match Scholar

LUCA Scholar Josh M. of Peekskill High School is the fifth and final LUCA Scholar to be recognized as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Boston University. His accomplishment completes a remarkable milestone for LUCA’s Scholar community.

“Matching through QuestBridge showed me that effort can go a long way. The LUCA team—especially my coach, Josué Zamora—motivated me through difficult moments to aim higher and give my best.”

Scholar Spotlights

Matched to Cornell University | QuestBridge National College Match Scholar

LUCA Scholar Mariangel O., a student at Port Chester High School, has been named a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Cornell University. Her achievement reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and family-centered motivation.

“The QuestBridge match not only fulfills my dream of studying at Cornell, but also the dream of doing so without financially burdening my parents. I am eternally grateful to my parents and my LUCA Coach, Clara Román, who continue to instill a passion and drive in me—helping me stay focused and never lose sight of my goals.”

Scholar Spotlights

Matched to Harvard University | QuestBridge National College Match Scholar

LUCA Scholar Carlos del A. of New Rochelle High School has been selected as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Harvard University. As a first-generation student, Carlos’s achievement represents a life-changing opportunity for both himself and his family.

“Being matched to an Ivy League university like Harvard—free of debt—has changed the game for me and my family. I will be the first in my family to attend college and take on these financial responsibilities.

Through the support of LUCA and QuestBridge, I was able to confidently navigate the college application journey. My coach, Mrs. Silchen Lee, a Harvard alum, dedicated countless hours of her personal time to my education and was always a kind, supportive presence throughout this challenging process.

Scholar Spotlights

Matched to the University of Pennsylvania | QuestBridge National College Match Scholar

LUCA Scholar Sophia F., a senior at New Rochelle High School, has been named a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania.

Her journey underscores how access to information, encouragement, and guidance can open doors for students and their families.

“Going from not even knowing about QuestBridge to matching through the program means everything to me and my family. It represents a promise for my future. I’m forever grateful for my coach, Debra Hand, and LUCA, whose guidance and support helped me reach this milestone. I truly couldn’t have done it without their dedication.”

Scholar Spotlights

Matched to Vassar College | QuestBridge National College Match Scholar

LUCA Scholar Raul S. of Sleepy Hollow High School has been selected as a 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, earning a full four-year scholarship to Vassar College. His achievement reflects the power of guidance, opportunity, and perseverance in helping first-generation students navigate the college process.

“College has always been a future I dreamed of as a first-generation student, but the cost made it feel frightening for my family. Thanks to LUCA’s support, I was able to give my parents peace of mind by showing my potential through QuestBridge and earning a full-ride to Vassar College. The once-overwhelming college journey became much easier thanks to my coaches, John Finger and Elena Herrera. Their support was immeasurable—they kept me on track and pushed me to produce work that truly reflected my potential. LUCA has been such a huge part of this journey, and I’m grateful to share this moment with them.”