The Puente Project is designed to help students succeed in school, earn degrees at four-year colleges and universities, and return to the community as leaders and mentors.  Puente involves parents and the Mexican American/Latino community in the education of their youth.  Although all students are eligib le, Puente is designed to increase the number of Mexican American/Latino students graduating from high school and enrolling in colleges and universities.  Puente provides three areas of service to students: teaching, counseling, and mentoring.

Puente students work closely with their Puente counselor throughout their high school careers.  The counselor helps students identify career options and stay focused on academic success, preparing them to enroll in four-year colleges and universities. 

Students study with the same English teacher for 9th and 10th grade.  Puente students study the college preparatory curriculum and read and write about the Mexican American/Latino experience.

Parents actively participate in their children’s education and academic planning.  They are invited to meetings, orientations, receptions, and seminars.

For details of this program, contact the Puente Blair Counselor Vanessa Torres by phone (at Blair ext. 80028).

The Puente Project is sponsored by the University of California Office of the President and California Community Colleges.  Click on their web site at www.puente.net, or E-mail them at puente@cop.edu.