Grossmont College Puente Project
The Puente Project was established in 1981 by Felix Galaviz and Patricia McGrath at
Chabot College in Hayward, CA and is an national award-winning program aimed at increasing
the transfer success of disproportionately impacted students. Puente follows a 3-part
student success model and combines rigorous English instruction, intrusive academic
counseling and mentorship. At Grossmont College Puente students also take a culturally
relevant course taught from an intersectionally conscious perspective. All students
are encouraged to transfer to four-year institutions, earn degrees and return as leaders
and mentors to future generations. Puente courses integrate LatinX and multi-cultural
literature into lessons, projects and activities.
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 120 (College Compostion
and Reading + 020 Support Class - Fall) and ENGL 124 (Advanced Composition: Critical
Reasoning and Writing- Spring). Each course focuses on LatinX and multicultural authors
and themes.
MENTORING - During the spring semester each Puente student is matched with a professional 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.
CULTURA (Spanish for the word "Culture") - During their first year at Grossmont College, Puentistas are encouraged to take
culturally relevant courses taught from an intersectionally conscious perspective.
Relevant courses are encouraged for the purpose of cultivating awareness and empowerment.
This requirement is unique to our campus and has added a wealth of knowledge to our
students.
Fall Suggestions:
- CCS 126 - Chican@ and Mexican Art
- CCS 236 - Chican@ Literature
- HIST 115 - Comparative History of the Modern Americas
Your fall semester schedule will look a lot like this:
- COUN 120 (9460) T/TH 9:30am-10:45am
- ENGL 120 (1265) T/TH 12:30pm-1:45pm
- ENGL 020 (3590) Tues 2:00pm-2:50pm
- CCS 126 (3283) 100% Online
*Plus a major-relevant introductory course
OR like this (if you do not require the ENGL 020)
- COUN 120 (6075) T/TH 11:00am-12:15pm
- ENGL 120 (4825) T/TH 3:30pm-4:45pm
- CCS 126 (3283) 100% Online
*Plus a major-relevant introductory course
Program Eligibility
Each year Puente Project coordinators select 50 students to participate in a 1 of 2 cohorts. 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 120 or ENGL 120 + 020
- No previous credit in COUN 120 or ENGL 120
- Must be interested in courses taught from an intersectional perspective that integrate LatinX, Afro-LatinX, or multicultural literature
- Commit to participating in college tours, events and activities for a minimum of one year
- Should be a first-generation college student
PUENTE Perks
Puente asks for a year commitment from our students. Students take PUENTE instructors for one year and particpate 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)
- First Day to Last Day Support - Your PUENTE counselor is commited to you until the day you transfer or graduate. This means your counselor along with the college network of support will not disappear after you've completed your first year.
- Priority Financial Aid Filing
- PUENTE Financial Aid Advisor - Iliana Garcia
- Instructors who respond to your emails and messages within 48 hours
- Accessibility - Counselor who responds to texts in a timely manner (except on weekends- replies to texts sent on Saturdays or Sundays may be delayed until Monday)
- PUENTE Hoodie, shirt, hat (pending new budget)
- One big, happy, supportive, new college familia