Latino U College Access (LUCA)

Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering low-income, first-generation Latino youth to access and succeed in college. Founded in 2012 by Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, LUCA addresses the challenges faced by these students through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming. The organization is committed to guiding students from their junior year of high school through college, ensuring they enroll in institutions that align with their financial and academic needs. LUCA offers a range of services, including intensive mentorship from trained volunteer College Coaches, workshops for competitive college applications, and assistance with financial aid applications. The organization maintains a six-year commitment to support Scholars and their families throughout their educational journey. LUCA has a strong track record, with 100% of its Scholars graduating from high school and enrolling in college, and 99% currently on track to graduate within four years. The organization has successfully placed Scholars in prestigious institutions, demonstrating its effectiveness in bridging the gap for underrepresented students in higher education.