Cuyamaca College Puente Project
PUENTE Project History:
The Puente Project was established in 1981 by Felix Galaviz and Patricia McGrath at Chabot College in Hayward, CA. 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 with an emphasis on the Latino/a/e experience.
Puente follows a 3-part student success model and combines rigorous English instruction, intrusive academic counseling and mentorship. The Cuyamaca Puente courses are taught from an intersectional conscious perspective. Every Puente class includes culturally responsive materials, readings, and assignments. All students are encouraged to transfer to four-year institutions, earn degrees and return as leaders and mentors to future generations.
3-Part Student Success Model
COUNSELING - Students identify career and education plans alongside their counselor both in and out of the classroom. Students enroll in COUN 120 (College & Career Success) during their first semester as a Puente student.
ENGLISH - Puente students take two consecutive English courses:
ENGL C1000 (College Composition and Reading) - Fall semester
ENGL C1001 (Advanced Composition: Critical Reasoning and Writing) - Spring semester
Each course focuses on Latine and multicultural authors and themes.
MENTORING - During their first year at Cuyamaca College, Puentistas are matched with a professional (mentor) within the community who has already earned one or more college degrees. Mentors share their personal, academic and career experiences and provide students "insider" tips and information about their journey.
Each year the Puente Counselor/Coordinator select 25 - 28 students to participate in the Puente Learning Community. Students interested in becoming Puentistas must meet the following eligibility requirements by the fall semester of the year they wish to participate.
- Eligible to register for ENGL C1000 (formerly ENGL 120)
- No previous credit in COUN 120 or ENGL C1000 (ENGL 120) or AP English Language/Literature credit
- Must be interested in courses taught from an intersectional perspective that integrate Latino/a/e, Afro-Latino/a/e, or multicultural literature
- Commit to participating in college tours, events and activities for a minimum of one year
- Planning to transfer to a 4-year institution or have an interest in transferring
Puente asks for a year commitment from our students. Students take PUENTE courses for one year and participate in all PUENTE events. Below is a list of PUENTE Perks you will benefit from:
- Priority Registration (Students will retain priority status for as long as they stay in the program)
- One-on-one support from a Counselor & English Instructor
- Special admission consideration to SDSU!
- Invitations to conferences, college field trips and other cultural field trips
- Puente Scholarships
- Culture in the classroom (Puente emphasizes social justice & cultural identity in the classroom)
- PUENTE Hoodie, shirt, etc. (pending budget)
- One big, happy, supportive, new college familia "Once a Puentista, always a Puentista!"
Interested in joining Puente? Submit an Interest Form!
Schedule a Puente Counseling Appointment
Puente Counselor / Coordinator
Email: fabiola.beas@gcccd.edu
Phone: 619-660-4440
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