We are PUENTE
“Everyone deserves access to quality education.
We’re moving the needle of achievement, guided by our unique approach that educates the whole student within the context of her or his family and community.”
Jerome Greening, PUENTE CEO
Programs
Featured Stories

Meet Kimberly
At the age of 9, Kimberly's life took a drastic turn when her parents, who were undocumented immigrants living in the United States, decided to move their family back to Mexico. Life was hard in...

Meet Kristian
Kristian first learned about PUENTE in 2017 when he was a junior at East College Prep High School in Lincoln Heights. As the first in his family to pursue a...

Meet Andy
Before he became PUENTE’s beloved Citizenship Prep instructor seven years ago, Andy Lippman had a longstanding career with The Associated Press. But it’s supporting PUENTE students that makes him...

Meet Jannette
Learning has changed during COVID-19, and teachers like Jannette Cañas have been finding ways to persevere. For the past year, Janette has been navigating new teaching platforms and nurturing...

Meet Maria
When a friend recommended PUENTE Learning Center as a welcoming environment to learn and grow, Maria did not realize at first what a difference that would make. She is currently enrolled in Career...

Meet Nelly
When COVID-19 forced the UC Davis college campus to close this past spring, Nelly Escalante turned to PUENTE for help. Nelly has been enrolled in the PUENTE College and Career program since her...

Meet Genesis
PUENTE Charter Elementary School student Genesis was officially re-classified from English Learner to English Proficient in first grade. “PUENTE teachers put in the time,” says Genesis’s mom,...

Meet Valerie
To keep up with her distance learning during the COVID-19 crisis, PUENTE second-grader Valerie Ruiz needed a computer. PUENTE showed up at her doorstep to deliver a laptop (at a safe distance), and...

Meet Lissa
Lissa knew she needed practical skills to get ahead. Then, she found PUENTE. In our workforce development classes, she received valuable training to help her family’s small business expand. Not only...

Meet Benjamin
Benjamin Chavez Aguirre was looking for English classes when he moved to Los Angeles from Tijuana, Mexico. At his sister’s suggestion, he began ESL classes at PUENTE. He went on to enroll in High...

Meet Sean
Many immigrant children want to make their parents proud by being the first in their family to go to college, including Sean, who is a student in the PUENTE College and Career Program. “My parents...

Meet Bryan
“When I have questions about financial aid or student loans, I always come to [my case manager] Guillermo. He always has answers for me. Guillermo gives me confidence in the decisions I make.” –...

Meet Erika
Erika Ruiz first learned about PUENTE Learning Center when she moved to Boyle Heights four years ago. Her new neighbors recommended PUENTE as a community resource and called it a “local gem.” She...
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Recent PUENTE news

¡Salud PUENTE! Event
On Thursday, September 29, 2022, our PUENTE gente gathered at our campus in the heart of Boyle Heights. Together, we celebrated the over 2,000 students and families we serve, listened to inspiring speeches, gave away exciting raffle prizes, and honored Andy Lippman...

PUENTE Earns the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid
At PUENTE, we strive to be worthy of your trust. That’s why we are pleased to share that Candid, a leading charity watchdog organization, has awarded us with its 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency—the highest level of achievement. We hope that this affirmation from...

Team PUENTE at the LA Big 5K
PUENTE is proud to have been an official Charity Partner of the 2022 LA Big 5K. On Saturday, March 19, 2022, PUENTE participated in a family-friendly run/walk as part of an exciting race weekend of the LA Marathon, passing through Elysian Park before a rewarding...

¡Viva PUENTE! Virtual Event
PUENTE Learning Center hosted a virtual celebration on Thursday, November 4th at 5 pm for our supporters, students, family members, and community. Friends from all over Los Angeles (and beyond) joined via Zoom to highlight our achievements over the past year. The fun...

Full Re-Opening
PUENTE Learning Center welcomed back students for full in-person learning on Monday, August 16, 2021.