Puente Program

What is the Puente Program:

The Puente Project is a national award-winning program that has improved the college-going rate of tens of thousands of California's first-generation students since 1981.

Its mission is to increase the number of students who enroll in colleges and universities, earn college degrees and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations. The program combines writing and counseling courses with mentoring, cultural learning, and community connection. You’ll take classes with the same group of students, work closely with instructors and counselors, and build relationships that support both your academic and personal growth. Puente is open to all students. 

Puente was founded in 1981 by Felix Galaviz, Patricia McGrath, at Chabot College in Hayward. The program mission was to increase the number of Mexican American/Latino students transferring to four-year colleges and universities. Since then, Puente has expanded to 38 community colleges throughout the state.

Puente Eligibility

The Puente Program is open to all students who are ready to commit to the program and its expectations. To join:

• Be prepared to take English C1000, English 95 and Counseling 100 in the Fall semester
• In Spring semester, be ready for ​English 123 
• Complete the interest form below and attend orientation
• Enrollment is on a first‑come, first‑served basis

Puente students:

• Succeed academically
• Are recognized as leaders and scholars
• Graduate from four-year colleges and universities
• Belong to a statewide network of leaders and professionals

Puente Benefits

• English instruction: Puente students develop their writing skills and confidence in two classes, English C1000 and English 095 Reading & Composition support and English 123 Critical Thinking about Literature, while exploring the Mexican American/Latino experience in a supportive environment.

• Counseling: Puente students partner with their counselor to explore careers, plan academics, set goals, and engage in campus visits.  
• Mentors: Puente students are paired with mentors from business or professional backgrounds who share personal, academic, and career experiences, offering insights into real-world work environments.
• Bonus! Puente students visit University of California and California State University campuses and attend an annual Puente Transfer Motivational Conference. 

Simply complete the Puente interest form and we will follow up with you!

Puente interest form Link