Meet Katya! She is class of 2020 Scholar and currently a junior at Middlebury College, where she is majoring in international politics and economics. This semester, Katya is studying in Madrid, Spain with fifty other Middlebury students. Study abroad opportunities are a huge draw for students, so we asked Katya to share some tips for fellow Scholars who are interested in learning outside of the United States.
Katya’s Tips
Keep an open mind.
If there is any time to step out of your comfort zone, it is now.
Seize any opportunity granted to you.
Being open minded, stepping out of her comfort zone, and seizing opportunities is exactly what Katya is doing! She is taking two classes at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid– Immigration Multiculturalism & Human Rights and International Business Management.
Katya is also interning as the international relations manager at La Fundación Europea Sociedad y Educación. This nonprofit think tank focuses on critical analysis and debate surrounding cultural and social issues related to education. Katya shared that, “this has been a rewarding experience to contribute to such an important initiative.”
Since January, Katya has been living with “two wonderful Spanish girls,” and during Semana Santa, she had the opportunity to visit some beautiful parts of southern Spain, including Mallorca, Valencia, Sevilla, and Cadiz. She describes her time in Madrid as “an incredible experience that I will always cherish.”
Latino U College Access Receives PepsiCo Foundation’s Smiles in Action Award
Latino U College Access (LUCA) is proud to announce that it was recognized with a Smiles in Action Award from the PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP), one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies. The program is part of the company’s efforts to support local communities by providing resources for valuable programming, such as LUCA’s programs that empower low-income, first-generation Latino students on their journeys to and through college.
LUCA is one of twenty-two 501c3 public charities and organizations across the country to be identified as an award winner. Through strategic partnerships, such as the Smiles in Action Award, the PepsiCo Foundation seeks to tackle the long-term challenges facing the global food system and do the most good for the most people, with awards focusing on: increasing positive nutrition; spurring prosperity for women and girls; having a positive water impact; and, increasing sustainability efforts.
“Latino U College Access is extremely grateful for the generous support from the PepsiCo Foundation and for our ongoing partnership with PepsiCo,” said Cosette Gutierrez, Executive Director of LUCA. “When we think about organizations that align well with our mission, PepsiCo is always high on the list. We are thrilled to have them as part of our LUCA Familia!”
When the devastating impact of COVD-19 on communities around the world became clear, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation provided vital support in response to the unprecedented crisis. The grant announced today provides funding for local organizations that are able to have an immediate, direct impact on their communities.
“We look up to the community organizations across America that work tirelessly every day to ensure their neighbors thrive,” said C.D. Glin, vice president of the PepsiCo Foundation and global head of philanthropy. “PepsiCo has a long history of working with local partners to invest in communities where our consumers and employees live and work, and we’re proud to support these organizations in making lasting change.”
About The PepsiCo Foundation Established in 1962, The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with nonprofits and experts around the globe, we’re focused on helping alleviate hunger, managing water and waste responsibly and supporting women as champions of nutrition from farm to family. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at www.pepsico.com/sustainability/philanthropy.
During his junior year at Sleepy Hollow High School, Juan was accepted into the Latino U Scholars program and matched with his College Coaches, Linda Zeltner and Diane Wrobleski. Linda and Diane are longtime supporters and experienced volunteers at LUCA, coaching since 2018. This year, they are working with Juan plus two additional Scholars.
Since the summer, Juan, Linda, and Diane have been meeting weekly at a local park or coffee shop to work together on the rigorous college application process; Linda supported Juan as he built his college list and completed his applications, and Diane worked with him on his college essays. Linda and Diane encouraged Juan to apply to more selective schools through the QuestBridge program. A few weeks ago, QuestBridge matches were announced, and Juan will be spending the next four years at Dartmouth College! He is LUCA’s first Scholar who will matriculate there. This Dream Team has developed a great relationship, learning so much from one another. Read more about their journey together in the interview below.
What was it like working together as Coaches and Scholar?What have you learned from each other?
L: Working with Juan has been a joy. From the first day we met at LUCA, I knew Diane and I would be working with an outstanding Scholar.
D: Juan has been an exemplary Scholar and a genuinely nice young man to know. As a retired teacher, I continue to enjoy coaching young people, sharing in their joys and dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.
J: Thanks to Diane, I have learned to revise and edit my work, which has helped me produce high-quality writing and become a more confident and skilled editor of my own work. I have also learned to develop good ideas and make my ideas come to life. From Linda, I have learned more about the college process and how to effectively research more schools and see what they have to offer. Both Linda and Diane’s support and encouragement have been instrumental in my college search journey.
Juan, what are your career goals and aspirations?
J: I want to major in a STEM field and eventually work as a software developer. In the future, I hope that I can support everyone in my family – allowing my mom to retire – while also working towards something meaningful to society.
What are you most excited about in this new chapter as you graduate high school and become the first in your family to go to college?
J: I’m most excited to use my newfound independence to discover the real world and any undiscovered passions I may have. In addition, I am eager to meet new people and broaden my horizons beyond the small county where I have lived for the past 12 years.
What is the most rewarding part of having Linda and Diane as your Coaches?
J: Linda and Diane are two of the most wholehearted people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. I am eternally grateful for their help and encouragement throughout my college journey. Linda and Diane are not only mentors to whom I look up, but also friends whom I am grateful to have. They are two of the most dedicated and honorable individuals I have ever met. Working with Linda and Diane, despite being stressful at times, has been a very rewarding experience that I will forever cherish.
Linda, how hasyour experience been as a volunteer College Coach?
L: I love being a volunteer College Coach! I love working not only with the Scholars but the devoted, professional and farsighted (and tireless) staff.
What is the best part about working with Juan?
L: One part that I have really enjoyed about working with Juan is getting to know his mother. She has been an incredible parent despite her own personal challenges. Yet, she has given Juan the tools to succeed and has given her support with every step of his journey. She is in disbelief about Juan’s acceptance to Dartmouth with a full four year scholarship! It is even beyond her biggest dreams!
D: It has been a delight to work with Juan because he is always prepared, listens carefully, and asks insightful questions. His determination and perseverance are two admiral traits that contribute to his success.
What are your hopes for Juan’s future?
L: I see Juan doing whatever he wants to in his career and work. And being a vital contributor to his profession and community.
D: I am confident that Juan will succeed at whatever he endeavors, and he will be sure to make a contribution to improve the lives of others.
What message can you share about the rewards of being a College Coach at LUCA?
L: As a teacher, I place education as a stepping stone to broad opportunities for each person’s future. I also see so much educational inequity in our society. As an individual, I can contribute to our society by helping our first-generation students attend schools and receive an education that would be unimaginable without LUCA.
D: Being a College Coach has been a very rewarding and gratifying experience. It is humbling to know that you have helped the next generation of wonderful, hard-working students access the opportunities that make going to college a reality.
Where did you go to college? And what is your favorite college memory?
L: I went to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. While I loved living and learning away from home, I am grateful that CWRU gave me the foundation and confidence to not only be a lifelong learner but also the opportunity to have both personal and professional fulfillment. And to continue knowing and sharing the value of a college education!
D: When I attended Hunter College, it had two campuses both in New York City and the Bronx. I traveled by subway between the two schools to use the library and to take classes with gifted professors who inspired me to become a teacher.
Visiones: Rising Together – Thursday, November 3rd
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to support Latino U College Access(LUCA) by participating in our 10th Anniversary Gala – Visiones: Rising Together – on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Over the last ten years, our organization has grown from serving two Scholars at one school to supporting 332 Scholars from four Westchester County school districts on their pathways to and through college. We hope that you will join us in celebration of LUCA’s history and our vision of educational equity for low-income, first-generation students. Please consider supporting our anniversary gala today. Your generosity ensures that students, families, schools, and our community can continue Rising Together through the transformative power of education.
This year, we are proud to recognize three incredible Honorees, who have significantly impacted our mission while uplifting the Latino community:
The gala will be held at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY on November 3rd at 6:30 PM. The celebration includes fabulous Latin inspired food and drinks, exciting live auction items, dancing, and the chance to make college dreams a reality for Latino youth.
Our anniversary goal is to raise $500,000. Your support today transforms lives through education for generations to come, setting a path forward for the next ten years at LUCA for students and families. We hope you will consider taking a leadership role in this event by becoming a sponsor; you can help us continue our mission by reviewing the list of opportunities enclosed. Please visit give.classy.org/Visiones2022 to donate and purchase sponsorships or tickets.
News 4 Latino: Helping Students Achieve Their College Dream
On Wednesday, July 20th, LUCA and our New York State Senate and Assembly Representatives: Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Assemblymember Amy Paulin, and Assemblymember Chris Burdick highlighted $350,000 funding secured in the New York State budget for program expansion in Westchester County. “We are honored to be included in the state budget and look forward to supporting even more first-generation students as they enroll and succeed in college,” said Cosette Gutierrez, Executive Director.
This generous funding will allow us to deepen our existing school partnerships at White Plains, Ossining, Sleepy Hollow, and Elmsford and expand programming into additional high Latino serving school districts throughout Westchester County, including Port Chester, Peekskill, New Rochelle, and Bedford. “At LUCA, we believe in the incredible potential and talent of Latino youth,” said Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, Founder and Strategic Growth Officer. “When we invest in Latino students, we are investing in a brighter future for them, for our communities, and for our nation.”
During the press conference, two Scholars shared heartfelt remarks about how LUCA helped them achieve their college dreams. The first Scholar was Jocelyn Nieto, a Class of 2015 Scholar and 2018 graduate of American University. “While reflecting on my academic and professional journey, I am positive that achieving my goals was thanks in great part to the unconditional support of the LUCA Familia,” Jocelyn shared. “As a first-gen student, there is an overwhelming amount of anxiety surrounding the college process and the world after graduation. Thankfully, I always had LUCA’s support.”
Attendees also heard from Kate Hidalgo, a Class of 2021 Scholar and rising sophomore at the University of Rochester.She explained, “When I was selected as a Latino U Scholar I was excited and relieved. What I didn’t realize was how much more being a Scholar would mean. LUCA understands that, when you’re first-gen, it is not only the student applying to college but the whole family.”
The entire LUCA Familia is grateful to the Senators and Assemblymembers who made this incredible funding possible. Their support will allow LUCA to enter its next phase of growth and serve even more dedicated students as they become the first in their families to attend college!
