LUCA CONNECT: July 2026

Summer of Student Success

COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE ORIENTATION. A new chapter begins.

Nearly 120 talented first-generation students from across Westchester recently took their first steps as LUCA's Class of 2027.

During our two-day College Knowledge Orientation, questions became plans, strangers became classmates, and students began building the confidence they'll need to navigate the college admissions process.

Over the next six years, these Scholars won't walk this path alone. They'll be surrounded by college coaches, mentors, advisors, and a community committed to helping them earn a college degree and launch meaningful careers.

COLLEGE TRANSITION WORKSHOP



As our newest college freshmen prepare to leave home, LUCA is helping them begin this next chapter with confidence. Beyond guidance on academics, finances, and campus life, each Scholar received a package of dorm-room essentials, from bedding to chargers, so they can arrive on campus feeling prepared, supported, and reminded that an entire community believes in them.

LUCA AND REGENERON PARTNER

TO MEASURE LASTING IMPACT

A college degree changes a life. But what happens next?



Where do our Scholars build their careers? How does becoming the first in their family to graduate from college change their future, and the future of the generations that follow?

Thanks to an exciting Data for Good partnership with Regeneron, LUCA is taking an important step toward answering those questions. A team of Regeneron volunteers is helping strengthen our Salesforce database so we can better understand our Scholars' journeys after college, deepen relationships with our alumni, and measure the long-term impact of a LUCA education.

We're especially proud that LUCA Scholar and alum Eric Dutan-Sari, now an intern at Regeneron, is part of this effort. Eric's experience as both a LUCA graduate and a member of the Regeneron team brings invaluable perspective to a project designed to help future generations of Scholars succeed.

Grants that help College Dreams take Flight

Thank you!

$5,000 Community Impact Grant awarded by United Way of Westchester and Putnam

We are grateful to United Way of Westchester and Putnam for supporting LUCA's Scholars Program, helping first-generation students and ALICE families overcome barriers to college, graduation, and long-term economic opportunity.

$15,000 Grant Awarded

by U.S. Bank Foundation

Thanks to the generous support of the U.S. Bank Foundation, LUCA will continue providing six years of personalized college, financial aid, mentorship, and career support, that helps first-generation students graduate from college and thrive in the workforce.  

YOU ARE INVITED!



PATHWAYS TO BRILLIANCE BENEFIT GALA