Latino U College Access Opens Scholars Program to High-Achieving Juniors Beyond Its Partner Districts for the First Time

Latino U College Access (LUCA) is opening its Scholars Program to high school juniors who live outside its partner school districts, the first time in the organization’s 14-year history. First-generation, high-achieving 11th graders who meet the program’s eligibility requirements may now apply, wherever they attend school. LUCA will host a free virtual information session for students and families on Monday, October 19, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Applications are due Monday, November 2. Register for the virtual information session at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KwoJOXOuRjSAoSuC2IYOqA#/registration.

Since 2012, LUCA has worked with first-generation students in eight partner school districts across Westchester County. Opening the Scholars Program to students outside those districts reflects a growing need: many talented, low-income, first-generation students are academically ready for the nation’s most selective colleges but have no one to guide them through the process.

“Talent is everywhere, but guidance isn’t,” said Faith Ann Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of Latino U College Access. “Too many first-generation students with outstanding records never apply to the colleges where they could thrive, simply because no one has shown them the path. Opening our Scholars Program beyond our partner districts lets us reach those students wherever they are, and help them graduate from college on time, career-ready, and with little to no debt.”

What Scholars receive

Students selected for the program receive individualized guidance through every stage of the college and financial aid process, including:

• Building a balanced college list
• Writing the personal statement and supplemental essays
• Completing college applications
• Completing the FAFSA, TAP and CSS Profile, and reviewing financial aid award letters

Who is eligible

Applicants must:

• Be in 11th grade (a high school junior)
• Be among the first generation in their family to attend college in the United States
• Be eligible for or receive free or reduced-price lunch
• Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher (3.94 or higher on a 4.5 scale)
• Take a rigorous course load, such as AP and Honors classes
• Show leadership at school, in the community or at home

Key dates

Students can apply online at lucany.org/class-of-2028-scholar-application. Questions about the program can go to Selena Drinks, Senior College Access Manager, at sdrinks@lucany.org, or Camila Puerta Hincapie, College Access Manager, at chincapie@lucany.org.