Long BeachCity College

Program Description
The Puente program is a statewide program that helps prepare educationally underserved students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, earn their degree, and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations. Puente students commit to one year of English instruction, sustained counseling, and mentoring. Puente is open to all students. Click here to see What the Students Say About Puente.

Phase I
In the Fall semester, students enroll in English 105 (Fundamentals of Writing) and a Counseling class. Students will learn to develop their writing and reading skills to prepare for transfer level English. The instruction provides discussion and exploration of topics in literature by Latino authors. This provides a stimulating environment for the student to build self-confidence and improve writing and reading skills.

In the Counseling course, students will learn how to navigate through the college system. Assignments will cover campus resources, career exploration, four-year colleges and universities, scholarship information, college catalog and major sheets. Guest speakers are also utilized to bring in information about careers, transfer and other college related experiences. Students receive individual guidance and counseling with course selection for major and degree requirements.

Phase II
In the Spring Semester, the same group of students enroll into an English course 1 (Reading and Composition) with the focus on Latino issues and culture. English 1 is the transfer level English needed to transfer to a four-year university. It satisfies both the California State University and University of California college system requirement for freshman composition.

In addition, students continue to meet regularly with the Puente counselor and take a Counseling course. They are also matched with a Puente Mentor during this phase. All Puente Mentors are individuals who have experienced four-year universities and are now professionals in their respective fields. Mentors volunteer their time to meet with their students to share their career, educational, and personal experiences.

Other Program Activities
Puente Students will also attend the Southern California Puente Motivational Conference hosted by a local UC campus in the Fall semester. This conference includes a full day of workshops and valuable information about the transfer process to the UC system. Other activities include motivational speakers, poetry readings, visits to museums, tours to universities and other cultural events. An end of the year reception is held in May to celebrate the completion of the program and to honor the Puente students who will be transferring to a four-year college or university.

Program Requirements

• Eligible to enroll in English 105.
• Willing to make a one-year commitment to the program.
• Have an interest in transferring to a four-year college or university.
• Have an interest in topics dealing with Latino culture and issues.
• Meet with a Puente Mentor from the community .
• Participate in other program activities.

How to Register
Contact Rosa Carrillo, Puente Counselor, at (562) 938-4851 or rcarrillo@lbcc.edu or Liz Gonzalez, Puente English Instructor, at egonzalez@lbcc.edu.