Puente Program

What is Puente?

Puente is an award-winning interdisciplinary program designed to help more of California's educationally underrepresented students transfer to four-year colleges and universities. If you're the first in your family to go to college and you're planning to transfer, learn more about DVC's Puente program and apply today!

Puente was founded in 1981 by Felix Galaviz, Patricia McGrath, at Chabot College in Hayward. The program mission was to increase the number of Mexican American/Latino students transferring to four-year colleges and universities. Since then, Puente has expanded to 38 community colleges throughout the state.

Puente is open to all students. 

Puente students:

• Succeed academically
• Are recognized as leaders and scholars
• Graduate from four-year colleges and universities
• Belong to a statewide network of leaders and professionals

Puente Benefits

• English instruction: Puente students develop their writing skills and confidence in two consecutive classes, English 122 and English 123, while exploring the Mexican American/Latino experience in a supportive environment.
• Counseling: Puente students partner with their counselor to explore careers, plan academics, set goals, and engage in campus visits.  
• Mentors: Puente students are paired with mentors from business or professional backgrounds who share personal, academic, and career experiences, offering insights into real-world work environments.
• Bonus! Puente students visit University of California and California State University campuses and attend an annual Puente student transfer conference.

How Do I Join Puente?

Simply complete the Puente interest form and we will follow up with you!