what is the puente Project?

Puente is a nationally recognized academic program designed to help students adjust to college life and prepare for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The program is unique in that it explores the Latino/a experience. However, Puente is open to, and welcomes, all students. The program has four major components: Writing instruction, Personal Growth instruction, counseling, and mentoring. Puente’s goal is to provide students with a strong academic foundation and the support needed in order to be successful at San Diego Mesa College and beyond.

puente history

Puente was founded in 1981 by the Co-Directors, Felix Galaviz and Patricia McGrath, at Chabot College. The original 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 55 community colleges throughout the state. The Puente project is the proud recipient of the Ford Foundation Innovations in American Government Award. The Puente program came into existence at San Diego Mesa College in 1998 and has served over 200 students and continuous to successfully serve students to this day.

Mission

The mission of the Puente Project is to increase the number of educationally underserved students who enroll in four- year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.

program benefits

Counseling

Puente students work closely with their Puente Counselor until they graduate, exploring career options, developing an academic educational plan, and identifying lifetime goals.

Mentoring

Puente students are matched with a mentor from the business or professional community. Mentors share with students their personal, academic, and career experiences, and provide a realistic view of the professional world.

program components

English Courses

Puente students take two consecutive English courses. These writing courses provide a supportive and stimulating environment for Puente students to build confidence in their writing skills through the exploration of Latino/a literature. These courses would be taken in this sequence:

Fall Semester:  ENGL 101X
Spring Semester: ENGL 205

Personal Growth Courses

Puente students take two consecutive Personal Growth courses. These courses are designed to help students improve study skills and learn personal success techniques in order to become better students. These courses would be taken in this sequence:

Fall Semester:  PERG 120
Spring Semester: PERG 140

how do i apply?

To apply please complete the following interest form.