Puente Project: Building Bridges to Transfer

1. Puente Project: Building Bridges to Transfer

2. What Is Puente? Puente is a statewide program operating from the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), and established at high school and community colleges across the state to provide support to underrepresented students for transfer to institutions of higher education. Recognized as a National Model for Student Success, Puente is an academic support program that has been highly successful in transferring underrepresented students to 4-year colleges and universities. Each Puente Program site operates under a MOU between the community college and the UC Office of the President (UCOP)

3. Puente Project: We Are Family DeleciaNunnally, Program Administrator Martin Rojas, English Professor Heather Robinson, Counselor Cynthia Gatlin, Program Specialist Monica Rodriguez, Student Support

4. The Puente Model Writing Skill Development emphasizing multicultural literature and critical thinking skills. College level writing skills through English 79 & 1A prepare students for transfer. Personal Development through individual counseling and an exploration of self-awareness, cultural identity, career and life planning. College success skills are also emphasized. Mentoring as an avenue to explore careers, develop leadership skills, and gain support for educational goals. Counseling English Mentoring

5. Who Qualifies for Puente? • The Puente Project at Delta College recruits a group of new students into the program each Spring semester for the upcoming academic year. • Orientations will begin in early April-May until the 35 new openings are filled. • Incoming students should have (1) applied for admission to Delta College (2) taken the assessment test and score level 2 in Reading & Composition and (3) attended an orientation session. • Students must have declared an educational goal for transfer and willing to participate in program activities. • Puente is open to ALL interested and qualified students

6. Phase 1: Fall Semester Puente Learning Community Courses English 79 – Preparatory English Guidance 19 – Orientation to College & Planning Individual Counseling Mentoring Activities Puente Motivational Conference

7. Phase 2: Spring Semester Puente Learning Community Courses English 1A- Written Communication Guidance 5-Enhancing Self-Esteem, Cultural Awareness & College Success Guidance 20-Transition to University Life Campus Tours to 4-year Colleges & Universities Counseling & Mentoring Activities

8. Puente Phase 3: Continues Until Transfer Students in Phase 3 are no longer in the “learning community” classes, but will continue taking courses towards transfer, meeting with their Puente Counselor and mentors, and engaging in community service and outreach.

9. Puente Program Outcomes 2011-12

10. Puente Program Activities Fall Semester Puente Picture Day Delta College Transfer Day Noche de Familia Day Picnic Mentoring Campaign Puente Northern Region Motivational Conference Sonoma State CSU – Sacramento/State Capitol Trip Mentor Orientation & Dinner CSU Monterey Bay & Aquarium Spring Semester University of the Pacific San Jose State University College Transfer Students UC Davis Discover Day San Francisco State University Stanford University UC Berkeley UC Santa Cruz

11. Puente Program Accomplishments Obulio Villapando – transferred to UCLA on full scholarship in Fall 2012 Sergio Juarez – awarded paid internship in Summer 2012 through MESA Arianna Perez – student speaker for SJDC Commencement Ceremony, May 2012 San Joaquin Delta College was awarded “Program of Excellence” in 2012 by the Puente UCOP

12. Thank you for supporting For more information please contact: Heather Robinson, Counselor/Professor hrobinson@deltacollege.edu Martin Rojas, English Adjunct Professor mrojas@deltacollege.edu