Latino U College Access

The luca scholars Access program guides students who have demonstrated academic aptitude through individualized coaching to ensure they enroll in colleges that meet their unique academic and financial needs. It begins in junior year of high school when students are nominated by school counselors in eight partner school districts. Scholars are then paired with highly-trained volunteer College coaches who provide intensive mentorship and guidance throughout the College admissions process. In addition, luca provides assistance completing financial aid applications to ensure students receive federal, state, and institutional aid to meet their financial needs.

Luca serves the broader Latino community in westchester county by. Sharing information and resources through community engagement. Luca delivers culturally relevant, bilingual presentations 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 bootcamps, "pathways to College", "applying to College", and "paying for College". Over the last eleven years, community information sessions have reached 7,500 parents and students from 9 westchester county school districts.

The luca scholars College success program provides comprehensive, family-centered support to luca scholars once they enroll in College to ensure they graduate on time and career-ready. Luca delivers ongoing support throughout the first two years of College assisting students in transition and College retention. In junior and senior years of College corporate volunteers and luca workshops help scholars develop career readiness skills to successfully enter their first careers upon graduation. Parent workshops engage parents in supporting their children through college.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.