Long
Beach City College
  
Program Description
The community college
Puente program is a statewide program that helps prepare educationally
underserved students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities,
earn their degrees, 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 into English 105 (Fundamentals
of Writing) with Shannon Runningbear and Counseling 48 (Career
Exploration) with Alicia Andujo. 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 transfers
into English 1 (Reading and Composition). 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 systems for freshman composition. Shannon
Runningbear also teaches the English 1 course with a focus on
Latino culture.
In addition, students continue
to meet regularly with Puente counselor Alicia Andujo. 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 student 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. This conference
includes a full day of workshops and valuable information about
the transfer process to the UC system. Other field trips and
activities include motivational speakers, poetry readings, field
trips to museums, 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.
- Meet with a Puente Mentor from
the community .
- Participate in field trips and
other program activities.
How to Register
Contact Alicia Andujo in the Counseling Office at (562) 938-4262
or Shannon Runningbear at (562) 938-4489
Click here to e-mail Ms. Andujo
or Click here to e-mail
Mrs. Runningbear |