As we reflect on the 2024-2025 program year, we honor a remarkable milestone: the beginning of PUENTE Learning Center’s 40th Anniversary. This moment invites us not only to look back with pride, but also to look forward with renewed purpose. Even as our community faced extraordinary challenges this past year, PUENTE stood firm — guided by the values that have defined us from the beginning — leading through service, lifting up community voices, and drawing deep strength from the resilience of those we serve.

At the center of our mission — yesterday, today, and always — are our students and families. Each day, they inspire us with their boundless curiosity, their courage in the face of uncertainty, and their determination to keep moving forward with their dreams. We are humbled by the trust they place in us and energized by the hope they carry, even in the most difficult times. We look back on 2024-2025 with gratitude, conviction, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education — and in the inherent potential of every individual who walks through PUENTE’s doors.

In these pages, you will find stories that reveal the impact of relationships built this year. You will be introduced to Michael, an elementary student gaining confidence, and his mother Irma, now a devoted and inspiring volunteer. You will also meet Ana, whose journey illustrates resilience and possibility as she builds language skills, strengthens employability, and deepens connections within our shared community. You will also learn more about the progress that we achieved together during the 2024-2025 program year.

PUENTE has touched multiple generations of Irma and Michael’s family. Years before Irma enrolled her son at PUENTE Charter Elementary School, Irma’s mother was a student in PUENTE’s Adult Education Program, gaining English and computer skills that helped her navigate daily life in Boyle Heights. That earlier connection influenced Irma’s decision to enroll Michael at PUENTE Charter.

Throughout elementary school, Michael has demonstrated steady academic growth. He has strengthened his math and language arts skills with support from teachers who track student progress closely and intervene when needed.

“The teachers are so involved,” Irma explains. “They go out of their way because they love their jobs.” Irma also values the additional support provided by having a designated paraprofessional in each classroom — providing individualized assistance and meeting diverse learning needs throughout the school day.

During his years at PUENTE Charter, Michael has also grown more confident and self-sufficient. “He became very independent when it comes to homework,” Irma shares. “Now, he’s consistent and makes sure everything is turned in on time, all on his own.” Effective communication has been another key factor in Irma’s positive experience. The school provides consistent updates with responsive follow-up from teachers. Family nights and student-led conferences further strengthen the connection between home and school. As Michael approaches middle school, Irma feels confident in his readiness.

Earlier this year, Irma even stepped up as a committed volunteer. She is representing the PUENTE parent community as part of the statewide Community Engagement Initiative (CEI).

CEI is increasing the ability and capacity of schools to implement effective, equitable, and culturally-responsive community engagement practices — thanks to the participation of Irma, the rest of our team from PUENTE Charter School, and 128 other districts and charter schools across California.

For Irma, CEI is a significant time commitment. There are eight convenings this school year, including virtual and hybrid meetings as well as an in-person conference. Irma has taken on this role because of the difference PUENTE has made for her family. PUENTE has played a meaningful role in the educational journey of Irma and Michael’s family—demonstrating the impact of a school that prioritizes connection, communication,and long-term impact.

In 2024-2025, PUENTE Learning Center launched a new three year strategic plan to guide our next chapter of growth and community impact. Our work is built around four pillars that define our priorities:

Facility Renovation and Re-Imagined Schoolyard

During 2024-2025, PUENTE Learning Center completed its $11 million renovation. Our facility has an upgraded building type, enhanced seismic dampers, new walls and exterior stair- cases, and new classroom space on the second floor.

In 2026, PUENTE looks forward to the installation of its Re-Imagined Schoolyard, with a new outdoor activity space and playground, including a state-of-the-art structured play area as well as natural elements. Thank you to the Re-Imagined Schoolyard project funders, with major support from the Ahmanson Foundation and additional gifts provided by the IMA Foundation, the Henry L. Guenther Foundation, and the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation.

The PUENTE NExT (Navigating Education and Transitions) Mentorship Program serves select graduates of our College Success program by delivering structured mentorship, targeted communications, and curated events during their academic transitions and early careers. This year’s cohort of 12 alumni was matched with volunteer mentors who are working professionals from organizations such as Public Law Center, U.S. Bank, and the Los Angeles Superior Court. The mentorship lasted six months resulting in deepened connections, refined goals, and sustained momentum.

In the face of a shifting political landscape and regional crises–including the Los Angeles wildfires–PUENTE NExT maintained consistent engagement and enriched community-based networks. Participants received continued support despite external disruption–reinforcing our ethos of resilience.

By June 2025, nine of the 12 cohort members secured full-time employment, one has advanced into a second-year PhD program at UCLA, and two are enrolled in graduate programs while working. These outcomes illustrate the power of intentional alumni connections and the capacity of our community to adapt and thrive.