Assembly Resolution No. 308

BY: M. of A. Burdick

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of Latino U
College Access

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Latino U College Access; and

WHEREAS, Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a nonprofit organization
that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income,
first-generation, Latino youth; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Latino U College Access
empowers students on their journeys to and through college so they can
fulfill their remarkable potential; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization guides students, who
have demonstrated academic aptitude, through individualized coaching and
culturally relevant programming to ensure they enroll in schools that
meet their financial and academic needs; and

WHEREAS, Nationally, only one out of 10 first-generation college
students earn a four-year degree; at LUCA, 99 percent of Scholars remain
on track to graduate or have graduated; and

WHEREAS, LUCA was founded in 2012 by Shirley Acevedo Buontempo to
address the inequity first-generation Latino students face while
pursuing their college dreams; Shirley experienced the transformative
power of education firsthand; born in Puerto Rico, she moved to the
Bronx when she was ten years old; after navigating the school system and
learning English, she was the first in her family to graduate from
college; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 10-year history, Latino U College
Access has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Latino U College Access is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated staff and Board of
Directors, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by
an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization
and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Latino U College
Access; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Latino U College Access; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, Founder, Latino U College
Access.