LUCA welcomed Leonardo J.V., the second LUCA Scholar Class of 2026 joining the Ambassadors Program, to Colgate University as a first-gen college student.

Our Mission: Together, we can ignite the remarkable potential of Latino and all first-generation students by mentoring high-achieving scholars to and through college, transforming their lives and strengthening communities. Our Vision: As an organization, we envision a world where educational equity, opportunity, and success are accessible to all. LUCA is a nonprofit organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for first generation college students. LUCA supports high school students from college exploration through college graduation. The organization seeks to advance educational equity by providing college preparatory resources to ensure students fulfill their academic and life potential. LUCA is committed to enhancing the quality and intensity of support first-generation students receive to apply, enter, and succeed in college. Partnering with Westchester County school districts, post-secondary institutions, corporations, and community volunteers, LUCA delivers culturally relevant, bilingual, family-centered programming directly to the Latino community.