The
Puente Program
Program Details
The Puente program is a statewide program at Fresno
City College which helps prepare students to transfer to four-year
colleges and universities, earn their degrees and return to the
community as leaders and mentors to future generations. Students
commit to one-year of English instruction, sustained counseling,
and mentoring. Puente has been on the FCC Campus since 1987.
Phase I
In the Fall semester, students
enroll into English 125 (College Writing) & English
126 (College Reading) with Guidance Studies 47A (Gen. Studies Skills). 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 prose and fiction literature by Chicano/Latino authors. This provides a
stimulating environment for the student to build self-confidence
and improve writing and reading skills.
In the Guidance Studies 47A
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.
Students are matched with a
Puente Mentor during the middle of 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.
Phase II
The same group of students keeping in mind that they have successfully completed Eng 125 & 126 from
Phase I transfer into English 1A (English Composition) in
the following Spring semester. English 1A 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.
The same English Instructor as English 125 teaches the English
1A course. Course content also has a strong cultural emphasis.
In the Guidance Studies 48
course, students will learn more about their intended major and
career. Assignments will include career exploration, job preparation,
and application to four-year universities. Guest speakers are
also brought in to discuss career related topics. Counseling
and guidance of course selection and degree requirements continue
with the counselor.
Other Program Activities
Puente Students will visit
University of California campuses. Each year two field trips
to such universities are scheduled per semester. In the Fall
semester, students also prepare to attend the Northern California
Puente Motivational Conference. Fresno City College students
travel to the bay area with approximately 400 other Puente students
from the northern region to attend a full day of workshops and
valuable information about the transfer process to the UC system.
This conference has played a vital role in our students deciding
to attend a UC campus. The conference site alternates between
UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa Cruz. Other
field trips and activities such as, a visit to a local museum
or a visit to California State University Fresno are also planned
throughout the year.
Mentor events are coordinated
and conducted to facilitate the Mentor/ Student relationship.
A Mentor Mixer is usually held in the Spring or in the middle of Phase II.
Students are able to meet with their mentor at this event and
will begin ongoing contacts until the end of Phase II.
An end of the year reception
is held in May to celebrate the completion of the program.
Program Eligibility
- Take the Fresno City College
Placement test.
- Qualify to register into
English 125 & 126.
- Be willing to commit to one
year.
- Have an interest in transferring
to a four-year university.
- Have an interest in topics
dealing with the Chicano/Latino Community.
- Puente Program is open to
all students.
Program Requirements
- Eligible to enroll into
English 125 & 126
- Must concurrently enroll into
Guidance Studies 47A
- Meet with a Puente Mentor
from the community
- Make a commitment to the Fall
& Spring academic year.
- Participate in field trips
and other program activities.
How to Register
Contact Lori Natal at the counseling
center:
E-mail: lori.natal@fresnocitycollege.edu
or
Vist ST 204,
located in the Counseling Center in the Student Services Building.
Phone Number: 442-4600 ext. 8644.
The Puente Statewide Office
Puente was founded by English Instructor Pat McGrath
and Counselor Felix Galaviz in 1981. The program
was piloted in the bay area at Chabot College. Since then, 38
community colleges throughout California, have participated.
Of the students who complete the one-year program, 48 percent
transfer to a four-year college or university, compared with
only 7 percent of non-Puente students. Visit the Puente website
at http://www.puente.net
for more statewide news and information.
The Puente Team provides the
personal support students need to pursue their goals and transfer
to a four-year college or university.
- Lori Natal, Counselor
- Luis Contreras, English Instructor
- Teresa Tarazi , English Instructor
Also See:
The IDILE Program
The CalWORKS Program
The Puente
Program
USEAA
Program
TRDP
Americorp
Disabled
Students Programs & Services (DSP&S)
You can graduate with a degree from Fresno
City College, or complete all or most of your general education
and lower division major requirements before you transfer to
a University System.
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COUNSELING
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