Puente

Puente

Supporting the Educational Success of Students with an Emphasis on the Latino/a/e/x Experience

Puente (Spanish for bridge) students enjoy an exciting and supportive learning experience while studying at Sierra College. The Puente program is sponsored by the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) and the Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges. Puente has provided tens of thousands of California students with a vision of success and the support to make that vision a reality.

 

Our Mission

To increase the number of students who transfer and enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn their degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors of future generations.

Our Program

Puente students enjoy an exciting and supportive learning experience while studying at Sierra College. More information about this nationally recognized program can be found at The Puente Project.

Puente Program Brochure

How to Apply

Please fill out and submit the Puente Interest Form.

Puente Interest Form

3 Components of the Puente Program

1. Classes

The content of the Puente classes focus primarily on topics about the social, cultural, historical and educational experiences of Latino/a/e/x population in the United States. 

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

2. Counseling

Work one-on-one with a counselor and Puente students work closely with their counselor to remain focused on their academic, personal and career goals. Students will improve their study skills, explore their career options, develop their academic educational plan and identify their lifetime goals.

3. Mentors

This is a great opportunity for students to begin networking with local professionals who can share career information and educational opportunities. 

Learn more in the Puentista and Mentors video.

Activities: Building Community/Familia

Puente students have the opportunity to take field trips to universities and attend off-campus cultural events.

*Required

Fall Semester

  • Campus Latino/a/e/x Events
  • Échale Ganas (Inspiration Services)*
  • New Puente Student Orientation*
  • Nocha De Familia
  • Transfer Motivational Conference*
  • Mentor Experience*
  • Puente Club

Spring Semester

  • Campus Latino/a/e/x Events
  • Échale Ganas (Inspiration Services)*
  • End of Year Celebration*
  • Mentor Experience
  • Puente Club
  • University Tours

Building Bridges to Life-Changing Opportunities

Puente advisors and students at Meet Your Comunidad event
Puente gives you community, counseling, mentoring and more.
Reyna Grande, a nationally renowned author, shared her story with students
Reyna Grande is the national bestselling author of “The Distance Between Us” and “A Dream Called Home,” powerful memoirs about immigration, identity, education and the pursuit of the American dream. During a recent Puente-sponsored event, she shared her story and writings, which resonated deeply with many of our students and community attendees.
Family and friends of Puente graduates attend special Puente graduation dinner
Families are invited to learn more about the Puente program and to support their students.
Faculty places Puente stole on student
At the Puente graduation celebration, we honor students for their accomplishments, success and perseverance. We also present them with a special Puente stole they can wear with their cap and gown at commencement.
Puente Club represents at Club Days
During Wolverine Week and Club Days, students and faculty in the Puente Club invite students to join and gain a new community of friends and supports.

Once a Puentista, Always a Puentista

Meet our alumni and learn about the impact Puente has had on their lives.

Juan Magallón
Puente Graduate

“Puente has made a huge impact on my life. It has been extremely supportive of my educational goals as well as my personal goals. Puente also has lots of available resources. With my major being Political Science, this program gives me so many avenues on how I can further my education and shown me that you can do anything that you set your mind to.”

Karina Hernandez
Puente Graduate

“Puente has been the best experience of my life. Both my Puente counselor and Puente English instructor have taught me to never give up, no matter how hard things get. I really love Puente because they have helped me get through my classes. And like they say ‘Once a Puentista, always a Puentista’.”

Dr. Maria Salcedo Bautista
Puente Graduate, PhD, Social Work

“The Puente Program taught me the importance and value of higher education. They provided a familia that supported me and inspired me to transfer. The Puente faculty believed in me and I learned that I too, could become a doctor someday.”

Get In Touch

Adriana Lopez

(916) 660-7403
alopez43@sierracollege.edu
Rocklin

L-180

Adriana has an MS in Counseling from Oklahoma State University and a BA in Psychology, Minor in Business, and Ethnic Studies Certificate from the University of San Francisco. As part of LGBTQ+ community, Adriana is passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ students and the intersectionalities of their identities. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and going to concerts.

Darlene Preciado

(916) 660-7429
dpreciado@sierracollege.edu
Rocklin

L-170

Darlene has an MS in Educational Counseling from National University and a BA in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. As a first-generation Latina college graduate, Darlene is passionate about sharing her culture and educational journey with students — seeing her own story reflected in theirs. In her spare time, she loves walking, paddleboarding, and being near the ocean. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and family, and her two Jack Russell Terriers.