Latino U College Access Recognizes PepsiCo for Continued Support
WHITE PLAINS, May 6, 2021 – Today, Latino U College Access (LUCA) announces its heartfelt appreciation to PepsiCo for its ongoing support and partnership. The organization is grateful to receive a donation of $25,000 from PepsiCo in support of college access and success programming for Latinx students.
This generous donation comes at a critical time for Latino U Scholars. The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to erase the progress and strides in higher education made by the Black and Latinx communities over the last twenty years. This funding will ensure that LUCA can continue its efforts to keep Latino U Scholars on track to becoming the first in their families to graduate from college.
“At PepsiCo, we are committed to investing in the communities where we operate and serve,” said Dr. Merary Simeon, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, PepsiCo. “We know that higher education is an enabler of economic empowerment; and when students can fulfill their greatest potential, it fuels a better future for families, communities at large, and generations to come. We are proud of our partnership with Latino U College Access, and particularly the results of 99% of first-gen Latino U Scholars graduating or on track to graduation. This work is critical to building a more equitable and inclusive America for our children and for each other.”
Since 2019, Latino U College Access and PepsiCo have partnered with the mission to make an impact, and since then, the support has resulted in making a significant difference in the lives of Latino U Scholars and their families. The organization proudly honored PepsiCo for its commitment to educational equity by presenting them with the Corporate Partner Award at LUCA’s 8th Annual Visiones Benefit. PepsiCo volunteers have also donated significant time and talent assisting students and parents with the completion of financial aid applications in our partner school districts over the last three years.
Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, Founder and CEO of Latino U College access shares, “We are grateful to PepsiCo for their support and partnership. We’re also thankful to Patricia Bogoya-Bravo, LUCA Board Member and Senior Director, PepsiCo Global Template PBNA, for serving as an advocate and ambassador in support of our mission. We look forward to building on this wonderful partnership so that we can serve even more deserving students in the future.”
Through the power of partnership, Latino U College Access and PepsiCo will continue to work together to ensure equitable access to education for all.
About Latino U College Access: Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a social impact organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income, first-generation, Latino youth. The organization guides students, who have demonstrated academic ability, 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. To learn more about LUCA or to make a donation in support of its mission, please visit www.latinou.org.