SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

From left: Steve Moroney, LUCA Board chairman; Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, LUCA founder and strategic growth officer; New York State Assemblymember Amy Paulin; state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; state Assemblymember Christopher Burdick; and Cosette Gutierrez, LUCA executive director.

Latino U College Access (LUCA) in White Plains hosted its annual Familia Appreciation Day honoring the 50 Latino U Scholars in the graduating Class of 2022 who represent five Westchester County high schools: Alexander Hamilton High School, Ossining High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Westlake High School and White Plains High School. The celebration at the Wilson House in White Plains brought together the entire LUCA Familia, including scholars, families, volunteer college coaches, partners and supporters.

County Executive George Latimer and state legislators joined the celebration to recognize the students and their families. Students and families shared heartfelt messages about how LUCA has made a difference in their lives and helped make college dreams a reality.

Since 2015, LUCA has distributed $53,000 to deserving scholars and this year $13,000 in scholarships was awarded to 12 recipients.

“We are thrilled to honor the Latino U Scholars Class of 2022, first in their families to attend and graduate from college,” said Cosette Gutierrez, executive director of Latino U College.

Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access is a social impact organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income, first-generation Latin youth. To learn more about LUCA or to make a donation in support of its mission, visit latinou.org.