The Puente Project and Puente MáS (math & science) are transfer preparation programs designed to increase the number of educationally underserved students who transfer to four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to their communities as mentors. Both programs offer academic, counseling, and mentoring support with an emphasis on Latino/a/x/e and multicultural experiences.
What’s the difference? Puente MáS is designed for students pursuing a STEM-related major. In addition to taking English and Counseling courses in the first year, like in the Puente Project, Puente MáS students also take precalculus and calculus to build a strong foundation for forthcoming major-prep STEM courses. Both programs match students with a mentor and include visits to four-year colleges and universities, among other extracurricular activities. Puente MáS curriculum, mentoring, and fieldtrips are STEM-focused.
Not sure which one to choose?
For STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Majors
All Other Majors, Including Nursing and Business Administration
After attending an orientation, students are admitted to both programs on a first-come, first-served basis. The Puente Project and Puente MáS are open to ALL students. To sign up for an orientation, complete an interest form. It’s that easy!
The Puente Project and Puente MáS are offered as a partnership between the University of California and the California Community Colleges.
The Puente Project
The Puente Project is a transfer preparation program designed to increase the number of educationally underserved students who transfer to four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to their communities as mentors. The program is offered as a partnership between the University of California and the California Community Colleges.
Puente works! Data has proven that Puente students transfer at over twice the average rate of non-Puente students.
Students are admitted to the program on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, the student be eligible to take English 1AX and attend a Puente Project orientation. The Puente Project is open to ALL students.
Puente Project and Puente Más Program Expectations:
- take a rigorous, two-course English class sequence (ENGL 1AX & ENGL 2B/1C) with a focus on Latino/a/x/e and multicultural authors
- take personal development classes (COUNS 103A & COUNS 103B) focused on college success, transfer preparation and self-exploration
- take precalculus and calculus if you are in Puente MáS
- work closely with your Puente and Puente MáS counselors to prepare an academic plan, focus on academic, personal, and professional goals, and transfer to a four-year university
- receive expert guidance on the transfer process, learn about internship and scholarship opportunities, receive on-on-one help with your college admissions applications
- receive one-on-one mentoring from members of the professional community
- participate in activities such as educational and cultural field trips (STEM-focused for Puente MáS) that are designed to engage you in a fun and supporting learning community
- For both programs, be ready to take English 1AX in fall semester. For spring semester, must be ready to take English 2B or 1C.
- For Puente MáS, be ready to take Math 171 (precalculus) in fall semester, AND be a STEM major. For spring semester, must be ready to take Math 190 (calculus).
- Students are admitted to both programs on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Attend a virtual orientation after you have completed an interest form.
The Puente Project and Puente MáS are open to ALL students.