Latino U College Access

“Until we get equality in education,we won’t have an equal society.” – Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a First-Generation College Graduate

Flipping Statistics on Latino Student Success

By every measure, education is the most effective pathway for increasing equity and prosperity; it lifts up our entire society. Our intensive, family-centered, culturally relevant approach has demonstrated incredible success in college access and completion.

Donate Today Impact – Defying the Odds
332

students enrolled in the Scholars program from 2013 – 2022

97%

of Scholars have graduated or remain on track to graduate from college in 4-6 years

93%

of Scholars attend four-year universities

7,483

students and parents received support through community programming

Our Innovative Approach

We are the only college access and success organization specifically addressing the unique issues low-income, first-generation Latino students face, such as underapplying, the “expectation of low expectations,” and “imposter syndrome.”

A 6-Year Commitment Beginning in junior year of high school, we guide Scholars and their families every step of the way to and through college.
Culturally Relevant Programs are presented in Spanish and English, and our team is reflective of the community we serve. 100% of program staff are first-generation Latina graduates.
Family-Focused When you’re first-gen, going to college impacts the entire family. Our Scholars bring the dreams of their parents, grandparents, and siblings with them onto campus.
Our Programs
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Scholar Spotlights

Andrés Latino U Scholar ’14 Princeton University ’18

“No longer did I see an unsurpassable chasm between myself and the ivory towers of universities that I dreamed of attending. Instead, I saw a bridge and an organization that was willing to give me the tools and encouragement to make it to the other side.”

Kate Latino U Scholar ’21 University of Rochester ’25

“I hope that, through my education, I’ll gain experience and knowledge that leads me to a position where I can make a direct impact on marginalized communities and be their voice.”

Miryam Latino U Scholar ’16 City College of New York ’20

“LUCA was with me every step of the way, providing support on days when I wasn’t feeling my best, guidance when I was truly lost, and celebrating with me at every milestone. For that, I will always be grateful.”

Volunteer With Us

Do you believe in the power of education? Volunteers are an essential part of our familia and make our mission possible. YOU can guide Scholars as they become the first person in their families to attend college.

Volunteer Opportunities
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LUCA News & Events

Looking for good news? You can count on us! See what we’ve been up to at LUCA.

Explore More News & Events
LUCA Joins the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) for Hill Day! Last month, our Founder, Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, along with two Scholar Ambassadors – Alondra (The George Washington University ’25) and…
Thank You, PepsiCo Foundation! Latino U College Access Receives PepsiCo Foundation’s Smiles in Action Award Latino U College Access (LUCA) is proud to…