LUCA CONNECT: APRIL 2026

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month,

This newsletter is dedicated to our Volunteers and their Lasting Impact



SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT: Mia's College Journey takes her to Yale!

Sleepy Hollow senior and LUCA Scholar Mia (Class of 2026) is turning dreams into reality — earning acceptance to Yale, Princeton, and Cornell, and proudly committing to Yale, the school that has long held her heart.

When Mia shared the news with our team, her message was filled with joy, gratitude, and happy tears — a moment made even more special after attending Bulldog Days, where she experienced campus life and began envisioning her future among Yale’s next class of leaders.

Mia, you deserve every bit of this moment. Yale isn't just gaining a student — they're gaining a scholar, a leader, and a trailblazer. We are so incredibly proud of you! 💙

Because of your support, Scholars like Mia are not only reaching their goals — they’re redefining what’s possible for themselves and their communities.



If you did not already have a chance to see the special moment Mia and her family learn of her Yale acceptance, please click on the video below:

LUCA SCHOLARS CLASS OF 2027 ORIENTATION

LUCA proudly welcomed the Class of 2027 Scholars and their families at Scholar Orientation 2026, an energizing start to the journey ahead. Eighty-three Scholars, alongside their families, brought 239 community members together for an evening filled with connection, excitement, and possibility.

Students met the LUCA team and began building relationships with peers from across partner schools, forming the foundation of a strong, supportive community that will carry them through college and beyond. At the same time, parents gathered for their own session, gaining insight into the college process and how to best support their children along the way.

MAKING THE EVENING EVEN MORE SPECIAL:

The most powerful moment of the evening came from LUCA’s graduating seniors and their families, who shared what this journey has meant to them.

Their stories made one thing clear: this is where possibility becomes reality.  



117 high school students said “yes” to their future, and to LUCA.

It’s our largest cohort ever.

Behind that number are 117 young people with the talent, drive, and determination to succeed in college… and 117 families taking a bold step into unfamiliar territory, often as the first in their household to do so.

Moments like this don’t just mark growth. They signal possibility. Because every new Scholar represents a future college graduate, a career launched, and a ripple effect that will reach far beyond one student.

And it’s all made possible by a community that believes talent should never be limited by access.

FINANCIAL AID REVIEW NIGHT

LUCA’s Financial Aid Review Night brought together Scholars, families, and dedicated volunteers for one of the most important steps in the college journey. A total of 57 high school seniors and their parents joined 23 community volunteers to review college acceptances and financial aid packages.



Through one-on-one support, families received personalized guidance to better understand their options, compare offers, and make informed decisions about where to enroll—ensuring every Scholar can confidently take the next step toward college.

LUCA ATTENDED KEY CONFERENCES- AND LUCA SCHOLARS JOIN!

One of the most exciting aspects of being a LUCA Scholar is access to meaningful, real-world experiences that align with students’ interests and sense of empowerment. When LUCA’s leadership team travels for key convenings, we’re proud to invite Scholars attending college nearby to join us. By participating, Scholars deepened their understanding of all that goes into creating the pathways available to them—and the role LUCA plays in building sustainable access to opportunity and long-term success.

NCAN (National College Attainment Network) Leadership Summit

Washington, D.C.

Together, attendees made their voices heard about the issues impacting students and families. As part of the event, LUCA team and Scholars had the opportunity to take to Capitol Hill and share their stories to inform representatives in the US House and Senate on time-sensitive and pressing policy issues, including funding for Pell Grants and federal student aid.

Scholar in attendance:

Emily P. (LUCA Scholar '25, George Washington University '29)

SOMOS Conference

Albany, NY

LUCA proudly attended the 40th annual SOMOS Conference, joining leaders from government, business, labor, education, and community organizations in a shared commitment to uplifting the Latino community. Together, participants advocated for equitable public policy and expanded opportunities in education and leadership through mentoring, scholarships, and civic engagement.



Scholars in attendance: Dayane P. (LUCA Scholar '23, U Albany "27) and Eric D. (LUCA Scholar '22, U Albany '27)

APRIL IS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH!

Volunteerism is the bridge between compassion, understanding and action — and at LUCA, it brings our mission of educational equity to life by providing students with the guidance, resources, and support needed for success in college and beyond, opening doors to opportunities and brighter futures.

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we held LUCA's annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration honoring the incredible individuals who give their time and talent to LUCA as College Coaches, Essay Support Team, and FAFSA volunteers, and reflected on the lasting impact they make on our Scholars every day.

To learn about LUCA Volunteer Opportunities, please click HERE.

A SPECIAL MILESTONE FOR FAITH

Congratulations, Faith, on your first 100 days as LUCA’s Chief Executive Officer!

In such a short time, you’ve already made a meaningful impact—demonstrating strong leadership, decisive action, and a clear commitment to advancing LUCA’s mission.

SAVE THE DATES

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