Communities
Latino U College Access opens its scholars program to first-generation juniors beyond Westchester partner schools
For the first time in 14 years the nonprofit will coach high-achieving low-income juniors from anywhere through college and financial aid applications.
A New York nonprofit that has helped first-generation Latino students reach college for 14 years is opening its doors wider. Latino U College Access, known as LUCA, says its Scholars Program will now take juniors from beyond the Westchester County districts it has served until now.
Talent without a guide
Since 2012 its coaches have served eight partner districts across Westchester. Leaders say they kept meeting low-income students with strong grades who were ready for the most selective colleges but had no one to show them how to apply.
"Talent is everywhere, but guidance isn't," chief executive Faith Ann Butcher said. She said too many strong students whose parents never went to college skip applying to schools where they could thrive. The wider program lets the group reach them wherever they live and help them finish college on time, ready for a career and with little or no debt.
What scholars get
Students who are chosen get one-on-one help at each step. Coaches help them build a balanced list of colleges and write personal statements and extra essays. They also walk families through the application forms and the financial aid paperwork, including the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. They also help them compare aid offers.
Who can apply
Applicants must be high school juniors and among the first in their family to attend college in the United States. They must qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and carry a GPA of at least 3.5, or 3.94 on a 4.5 scale. The group also looks for a demanding schedule of AP or honors classes and leadership at school, at home or in the community.
Applications are due Monday, Nov. 2. The group plans to announce its new class of scholars on Dec. 18.
Why it matters
Many first-generation Latino students reach senior year with no one at home who has been through essays, deadlines or aid forms. Groups like LUCA aim to close that gap one student at a time.
