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LUCA CONNECT: May 2026
Mission in Motion
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This spring, LUCA Scholars celebrated extraordinary milestones,
and your support helped make every one of them possible.
From college signing celebrations to first meetings with College Coaches, May was filled with moments that reminded us what happens when first-generation students are surrounded by opportunity, encouragement, and a community that believes in them.
| | SPOTLIGHT: College Signing Day 🎓 Across Our Partner High Schools | | |
Across our partner high schools, from Peekskill and Ossining to Port Chester, Sleepy Hollow, White Plains, Fox Lane, and New Rochelle, Scholars proudly put on college gear and shared where they will continue their journeys this fall.
For many students and families, these celebrations represented more than college acceptance letters. They reflected years of hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and hope.
Every sweatshirt worn, every photo taken, and every celebration shared was a reminder that brighter futures are within reach when students receive the support they deserve.
Some of the colleges and universities LUCA students are headed:
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College Coach and Scholar Meet & Greet
One of the most exciting moments in the LUCA journey happens each May when Scholars meet their College Coaches for the very first time. These relationships often become a lasting source of guidance, encouragement, and confidence throughout the college application process and beyond.
Over the coming months, College Coaches will help Scholars:
• Build college lists
• Navigate applications and deadlines
• Develop personal statements
• Prepare for interviews
• Stay motivated throughout the process
To every LUCA College Coach: thank you for investing your time, wisdom, and heart into our students’ futures.
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Morgan Stanley Volunteer Fair
LUCA recently participated in the Morgan Stanley Volunteer Fair, where employees learned more about how they can support first-generation students through mentorship, college and career readiness initiatives, and other volunteer opportunities.
We are especially grateful to LUCA Board Member Carolina Ureña and her colleagues at Morgan Stanley for helping create meaningful partnerships that expand opportunities for Scholars and their families.
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We were also thrilled to reconnect with Laura Martinez, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley and former LUCA Board Member, whose leadership played an instrumental role in building LUCA’s longstanding partnership with the firm.
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LUCA Board Retreat
Earlier this month, LUCA Board Members and staff gathered for a day of reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning as we continue expanding opportunities for first-generation students.
Together, participants explored new ideas, discussed future growth, and strengthened a shared commitment to educational equity and college success.
Thank you to our Board Members for your leadership, vision, and unwavering belief in LUCA Scholars.
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Mia featured in Westchester Hispano
This month, LUCA Scholar Mia Rivera Cabrera was featured in Westchester Hispano for her remarkable achievement: being accepted to Yale, Princeton, and Cornell before choosing Yale University on a full scholarship.
Mia, a first-generation student from Sleepy Hollow High School and the daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants, hopes to become a pediatric oncologist serving underserved communities.
Her story is one of resilience, determination, service, and possibility, and a powerful example of what students can accomplish when their communities rally behind them.
Read Mia’s inspiring story here.
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LUCA Featured in SKILLS Magazine
LUCA was also featured alongside Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) in SKILLS Magazine, highlighting the importance of helping students not only get to college, but successfully transition into meaningful careers.
Read the digital edition here.
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Thank You, St. Faith’s House Foundation!
We are honored to share that St. Faith’s House Foundation awarded LUCA a generous $35,000 grant to support expanded college access and success opportunities for Scholars.
This investment will help more first-generation students access the guidance, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive in college and beyond.
We are deeply grateful for partners who believe in the limitless potential of our students.
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GRADUATION CELEBRATION 2026
As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026, we invite you to consider making a gift in honor of the achievements, resilience, and bright futures of LUCA Scholars.
Thank you for helping create pathways to success for
first-generation students across our community.
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