Puente 2026-2027 Filled
Puente Cohort 10 has been filled. At this time we are not accepting more interest forms. However, please return to this page December 2026 for any updates on a possible interest form for Spring 2027. Puente Club meetings will take place Wednesdays 12pm-1pm in the Cariño Dream Village. Please keep an eye out for more information on the exact club meeting dates. All students are welcomed.
What is the Puente Program?
Puente is a nationally recognized academic program designed to help students adjust to college life and prepare for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The program is unique in that it explores the Latino/a experience. However, Puente is open to, and welcomes, all students. The program has four major components: Writing instruction, Personal Growth instruction, counseling, and mentoring. Puente’s goal is to provide students with a strong academic foundation and the support needed in order to be successful at Palomar College and beyond.
Puente’s Mission
Our mission is to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn college degrees, and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations. Puente is open to all students. Started in 1981 at Chabot College, the program has since expanded to 40 high schools, 11 middle schools and 81 community colleges statewide
Program Components
Counseling
- Puente students take Counseling 110 “College Success,” a 3 unit UC transferable College Success class in the fall semester
- Puente students meet with their Puente counselor until they graduate from Palomar College
- In addition to developing a comprehensive educational plan, students will also explore and identify a career pathway, network with professionals in the community and develop short term and long-term life goals
English Instruction
- Puente students take two consecutive writing classes with the same Puente English Instructor: ENGL C1000E Fall semester and ENGL C1001 spring semester
- These classes provide a supportive environment for Puente students to build confidence in their writing skills. The content of both courses focuses on Latino/a/x authors and issues.
Math
- Puente Students will take STAT C1000E Spring semester along with the ENGL C1001 course
- The math component is designed to build students’ confidence in mathematics while simultaneously fulfilling the transfer‑level math requirement needed for admission to a UC or CSU
- A dedicated mathematics professor will allow Puente students to receive the additional support required for transfer level math courses and ensure that all the necessary resources are available to help students succeed
Mentoring
- Each Puente student is matched with a mentor who is a businessperson or professional in the local community.
- Mentors share their knowledge and experience with students.
- Our Puente mentors provide many resources for the Puente students, their families, their colleges, and the community.
More Information
Please contact the Palomar College Puente Program Co-Coordinators by email for more information about the program:
- Daniela McIntosh dmcintosh@palomar.edu
Make a Tax-deductible Charitable Donation
- Puente is able to facilitate university campus visits, provide student scholarships, and support an extensive mentor program through donations from community members.
- You can make a tax-deductable charitable donation to the Puente program by going to the Palomar College Foundation and selecting “Puente Program” in the “Additional Information Fund” drop-down menu.
