About the Program

Our Mission

The mission of the Puente Project is to increase the number of educationally underserved students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.

Why Join Puente

As Puente Students, you will benefit from:

• Mentorship from Staff, Faculty, and Peers.
• Community.
• Opportunities to receive financial support.
• Enrolling in classes focusing on Latino culture, history, and experience.

Benefits

When officially in the program, you will:

• Get free textbooks.
• Enroll in courses as a cohort with other current, or past, Puente students, including courses in English, Math, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies.
• Work with a counselor to explore career options and develop academic goals.
• Receive mentorship from a mentor who has past experience in related fields academically, culturally, or career-wise.
• Visit colleges, attend conferences, and any related cultural events.

How To Apply Our 2025-2026 cohort is full. If you are interested in joining next year, see eligibility requirements. Come visit us in the Puente Space in Room 4221 anytime to ask questions! For More Information If you have questions about the program or want to become a mentor, please contact Maritza Jackson Sandoval, our Puente counselor at jacksonsandovalmaritza@fhda.edu.

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Puente is co-sponsored by the California Community Colleges and the University of California. For more information, visit thepuenteproject.org.