Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a nonprofit organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for students who are the first in their families to attend college. LUCA guides first-gen students through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming as they navigate higher education to successfully enroll in schools that meet their financial and academic needs, enabling them to graduate on time and career ready.

COVID-19 has negatively impacted the lives of millions around the world but especially and disproportionately the Latino community. For our young scholars, the toll has been significant. They are scared and worried about the sustainability and health of their families; ​many are doubting if their college dreams will become a reality. Our families are hard-working, humble, and facing many challenges in terms of their ongoing employment, health, and security. LUCA remains committed to supporting our students and families through these uncertain times, because together we know that we are stronger. We see them, hear them, and believe in them. They are not alone, and LUCA strives to be a beacon of light during these dark times.

Despite the multifaceted challenges LUCA faced this year, our small but mighty team transformed all our programming to be delivered virtually; as a result, we are proud to report that ​our mission and services continued without any interruption this year​.