Bienvenidos!  

We're excited you want to learn more about Puente! 

Puente means "bridge" in Spanish. As the name suggests, we help students build bridges to higher education.

Puente is an award-winning program that has helped thousands of students reach their dreams of college success through its innovative combination of accelerated writing instruction, intensive academic counseling and mentoring.

Puente is co-sponsored by the California Community Colleges and the University of California.

Students holding Puente banner


Program Eligibility

Puente is open on a first-come-first-served basis to all students who meet the eligibility requirements. These include being eligible for EWRT1A/LART250 and wanting to transfer to a four-year university.

Puente students boarding a bus before University visit

Before enrolling in the cohort, all Puente students are required to attend a mandatory Puente Program Orientation and Summer Bridge specifically designed for incoming students going into any of our SSRS programs.

Join Us! 

If you are interested in joining the Puente Project please complete the following steps.  We will begin accepting interest forms for the 2021-22 school year in April.

  1. Apply to De Anza College
  2. Make sure the Assessment Office has your high school transcript, in order to determine your English placement
  3. Complete the SSRS Program Interest Form.

Because space is limited, applicants are encouraged to complete placement test and our interest form as early as possible. Students are accepted on an annual basis, and selections are usually made in the Spring of the preceding academic year.

Contact

Liliana Rivera

Puente Counselor and Co-Coordinator

riveraliliana@deanza.edu

Phone: 408.864.8780

Office Location: LCW 102


Christine Chai

Puente English Instructor and Co-Coordinator

chaichristine@deanza.edu

Phone: 408.864.5560

Puente's Mission

To increase the number of historically underserved students who:

  • transfer to four-year colleges and universities,
  • finish their degrees
  • return to their communities as leaders and mentors

Three Puente students at 2010 graduation

Program Events

Check out some past Puente events, including university and local business visits; cultural events, community service projects and more. 


Related

Back to Top