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 – plus fun group activities throughout the year!

Puente is co-sponsored by the University of California and the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

Upcoming Activities

  • Please check back here for more information!

Program Eligibility

Puente is open on a first-come, first-served basis to all students who meet certain requirements. These include being eligible for EWRT 1A and LART 250, and wanting to transfer to a university.

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! 

The Puente cohort for the 2024-25 academic year is officially full! Please visit the SSRS main page to learn about our other learning communities you can join!

If you are interested in joining the Puente Project please complete the following steps.  We will begin accepting interest forms for the upcoming 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.

Program Interest Form

Because space is limited, applicants are encouraged to complete the college application and assessment process, and our program interest form – as early as possible.

Students are accepted on an annual basis. Selections are usually made in the spring or summer before the start of a new 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

group of students standing outside conference hall

Program Events

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


Related


Support Puente

You can make a donation to support Puente programs for students by using this link to the Foothill-De Anza Foundation's donation website. (The online form is already filled in to designate your gift for "DAPuente")

Donate Now

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