PUENTE Learning Center was proud to be a charity partner for the 5th consecutive year at the L.A. 5K on March 7, 2026 at Dodger Stadium. This day brought together an incredible community of 112 runners in support of our mission. From students, staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners, Team PUENTE showed up with energy, pride, and a shared commitment to opportunity and education.

Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, PUENTE Learning Center raised over $15,500. These funds go directly to supporting our community and vital educational programs for learners of all ages.

Events like this create a space where our families and students feel seen, supported, and celebrated. For many of our students, this is not just a run, but a chance to engage in a positive, community-centered experience that promotes wellness, connection, and confidence. It’s an opportunity for students to set goals, challenge themselves, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

This event offers our families a welcoming environment to build relationships, connect with others, and take pride in being part of the PUENTE community. These shared experiences help strengthen the bonds that are essential to student success, both inside and outside the classroom.

We believe that education is deeply connected to overall well-being. When students and families have opportunities to engage in activities that promote health, teamwork, and community pride, it reinforces the foundation for long-term success even outside of the classroom.

PUENTE Learning Center is grateful to everyone who participated, supported, and cheered on Team PUENTE this year.

Want to support PUENTE’s mission? Visit www.puente.org to learn about our educational support services, volunteer opportunities Los Angeles, or make a donation. Together, we can ensure every student in Boyle Heights has the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams.

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Exploring Healthcare Career Pathways

Our Career Fair was designed to give students insight into a variety of healthcare careers, from clinical roles to administrative positions. Professionals shared their personal career journeys, educational backgrounds, and advice for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. For many participants, this was their first time speaking directly with professionals working in the field. These conversations helped students begin thinking more intentionally about their own career goals and future educational paths.

Supporting Youth Career Development 

One of the most impactful aspects was the opportunity for students to begin building their professional networks. Through one-on-one conversations, youth connected with professionals who were eager to share their experiences and offer guidance. Events like this help students see what is possible for their future while also giving them the confidence to pursue their ambitions. Networking opportunities at an early stage can be a powerful step toward career development and mentorship.

PUENTE’s College and Career Program works year-round to support students as they explore their futures. Programs and events like this provide hands-on learning experiences that help students gain exposure to different industries while developing the knowledge and connections they need to succeed. PUENTE extends its sincere thanks to the 39 healthcare professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to support our students. Through events like the Healthcare Career Fair, PUENTE continues to empower youth, expand career pathways, and strengthen connections between students and the professional community.

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It is with deep sadness that PUENTE Learning Center announces the passing of our former colleague Luis Marquez. 

Luis worked alongside PUENTE’s founder, Sister Jennie Lechtenberg, for over 25 years and held numerous roles as the organization grew and expanded — including two years as Chief Executive Officer. 

Luis was unwavering in his belief in the transformative power of education and in his commitment to the PUENTE community. During his tenure, he helped guide the organization through meaningful growth, expanding opportunities for students and families while strengthening PUENTE’s mission of learning, empowerment, and community service. 

Many were moved by Luis’s clear articulation of the importance and relevancy of the work being accomplished at PUENTE. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched — students, educators, and community members alike — and through the programs and partnerships he helped to build. 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing.

Luis’s family is grateful for the outpouring of support and invites those wishing to honor his memory to consider a donation to the mission of PUENTE Learning Center. You may direct your contribution in the Tributes section to be in Luis’s memory.

At the family’s request, no public services will be held.

May his memory continue to inspire us to carry forward the principles of opportunity, compassion, and education for all. 

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Emceed by Yarel Ramos of Univision, our friends and supporters enjoyed an evening full of heartfelt moments and uplifting stories. Fourth-grader Betzy Ramos from Charter Elementary School brought PUENTE’s history to light with bold confidence, while College & Career alumna Kimberly Vasquez-Cid shared her courageous journey from adversity toward her dream of becoming a doctor. Live performances by Mariachi las Catrinas, Neighborhood Music School, and other artists lent the night vibrant energy and cultural richness. View more event photos HERE.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Riordan Community Impact Award by Mary Odell, Board Chair of the Riordan Foundation, to Rich Webster, Co-President and Board Member of the Helen & Will Webster Foundation. Rich’s belief that every person deserves the tools to succeed—regardless of zip code, income, or background—truly reflects the spirit of PUENTE.

Though our community continues to face real challenges, including fear and uncertainty, the gala affirmed what we believe to be true: PUENTE remains a place of safety, hope, and belonging. Because of you, we are not just an educational institution — we are a home for every learner, at every stage.

We are delighted to share that the evening raised over $250,000, enabling us to expand our programs across early childhood, elementary, college & career, adult education, and community services in Boyle Heights and beyond.

To our Board Members, Host Committee, sponsors, and all our supporters — thank you. Your generosity, leadership, and belief in our work make an unforgettable evening possible — and more importantly, fuel our mission every day.

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The offices of Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Juardo and State Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez’s office joined the event alongside community organizations, offering essential information and resources. Their presence helped create meaningful connections between families and the support they need, reinforcing PUENTE’s role as a dedicated community school and hub in Boyle Heights. As children laughed and adults chatted, the event’s energy highlighted the power of creating a safe and welcoming space for all families, especially during these challenging times. 

Over 250 backpacks with school supplies were given to students, and more than 300 food bags were distributed to families, ensuring both learning needs and daily essentials were met. These acts of support empowered families in Boyle Heights as the school year began. The smiles on children’s faces and the relief in parents’ hearts painted a clear picture of impact that reaches beyond numbers. Verano en Comunidad was more than an event—it was a renewal of hope, an affirmation of PUENTE’s mission to uplift the Boyle Heights community, and a reminder that when families are seen, supported, and celebrated, the path to success shines brighter. 

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This March, Team PUENTE laced up our running shoes for a cause close to our hearts: quality education in Boyle Heights. As a proud charity partner of the LA Big 5K, our community united to raise funds for our educational support services.

The morning began with excitement as board members, staff, students from our charter elementary school, and alumni gathered under the PUENTE banner. Families from our charter program joined alongside participants from our adult education classes, showcasing PUENTE Learning Center’s multigenerational impact. Along with our preschool students participating in the L.A Kid’s Run.

The L.A Big 5K route challenged our team, but our commitment to educational excellence kept spirits high. Students in our charter elementary particularly impressed with their determination, many completing their first-ever 5K while representing the future of Boyle Heights education.

Thanks to generous donors, PUENTE Learning Center raised over $22,000 through this event. These funds will directly support our community service programs, including our charter elementary school, preschool program, comprehensive adult education classes, and vital educational support services for all learners.

Every dollar raised strengthens PUENTE Learning Center’s ability to provide college and career readiness resources that create pathways to success. The LA Big 5K isn’t just a race—it’s an investment in educational equity for our community.

As we look ahead, PUENTE Learning Center remains committed to removing barriers to educational success. Through our charter elementary school, preschool programs, adult education classes, and college and career readiness initiatives, we continue building stronger communities through education.

Want to support PUENTE’s mission? Visit www.puente.org to learn about our educational support services, volunteer opportunities Los Angeles, or make a donation. Together, we can ensure every student in Boyle Heights has the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams.

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Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for celebration and connection. We honored the rich histories of Hispanic and Latino communities. At PUENTE Learning Center, we believe that education is key to understanding these contributions, and we highlighted this through our event on October 5th, Cultura y Raices. 

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, serves as a reminder of the important roles Latinos play in our society. It’s a chance to recognize their achievements and inspire future generations.  

Our mission is to create bridges to education while empowering individuals and building a sense of community. Education helps us appreciate the diverse backgrounds that shape our society and the city of Boyle Heights. By learning about one another, we cultivate empathy and respect. 

Cultura y Raices embodies this spirit. With the generous support of our sponsor, Citibank, we’re committed to showcasing the vibrancy of Hispanic culture. The event  featured live music, allowing attendees to experience the lively sounds that the Latino and Hispanic community love. Local Latino vendors were able to promote their art and business, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurship within the Latino community. There were also local resources available to enhance education and support services, ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed. 

Additionally, we celebrated our Volunteer of the Year, recognizing a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in serving our community and students. This award represents the spirit of unity and resilience that is so important. 

Events like Cultura y Raices are crucial for connecting people and fostering a sense of belonging. They not only celebrate our heritage but also create opportunities for learning and collaboration. As we celebrate this month, let’s commit to honoring the legacy of Hispanic culture and the contributions of its people. Together, we can continue to build bridges to education and a brighter future for all.

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We are pleased to announce that PUENTE Learning Center’s Board of Directors has appointed Tyler Press as the organization’s new Board Chair. Press has been an active Board member at PUENTE, previously serving as Board Vice-Chair.  

Tyler Press is the Director of Legal Services at Public Law Center, where she oversees the legal teams providing free services to low-income residents of Orange County. Valuing the impact education had on her own trajectory, Press is compelled to play an active role in furthering PUENTE’s mission of enriching the neighborhood through education. Since her accomplishments are a result of the opportunities she was given, Press now spends her time giving back to the educational community.  

Press’s involvement with PUENTE began almost 20 years ago as a volunteer in the preschool classrooms. After completing her college education, Press elevated her involvement with PUENTE by joining the Board of Directors.  Press has been a committed volunteer at PUENTE Learning Center, demonstrating her dedication to the center’s mission and its students. Her involvement has spanned various initiatives, showcasing her commitment to enriching the lives of families PUENTE serves. Having supported PUENTE in different capacities throughout the years, becoming Board Chair is an exciting next step.  

“For over 20 years, I have seen PUENTE grow and change,” says Press. “In this year ahead as Board Chair, I will have the opportunity to help the organization grow and continue on its sustainable path where the organization deepens its impact in the Boyle Heights and East LA service area.”  

Press’s term as Board Chair began on July 1, and she will lead her first Board meeting as chair in September. “We are very fortunate to have Tyler Press as our new Board Chair,” says PUENTE CEO Jerome Greening. “I am inspired by her commitment to the timeless principles that serve as the foundation for the mission of PUENTE – access and opportunity for all – and her dedicated efforts and advocacy to ensure the success of our community of students and families.”  

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PUENTE Learning Center Receives $9,000 Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to Support Adult Literacy 

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded PUENTE Learning Center a $9,000 grant to support adult literacy. This local grant is part of the Foundation’s more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. With today’s grants, the DGLF also surpasses helping more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams since its inception in 1993.

“I am so grateful for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s continuing commitment to adult education at PUENTE Learning Center,” remarked Jerome Greening, CEO of PUENTE Learning Center. “Because of their support, we are ready to make even greater strides in its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to Boyle Heights and beyond.”

The Dollar General Literacy Grant, renowned for supporting literacy initiatives across the United States, will amplify PUENTE’s mission to uplift the community through education. The grant will support ongoing professional development for PUENTE’s dedicated educators. By equipping teachers with advanced teaching strategies and resources, the center can ensure high-quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of adult learners.

“We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “This year’s spring grant cycle is equally exciting as we surpass impacting more than 20 million individuals. We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives, helping them to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

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We are proud to announce that PUENTE Charter Elementary School has been selected as an implementation grantee in the California Community School Partnership Program. With this grant, PUENTE stands as a beacon of hope, embracing a transformative approach to education. With transformative support of $1 million+ over the next five years, this grant is a testament to our commitment to addressing deep-seated educational disparities that have plagued the PUENTE community and the Boyle Heights neighborhood for generations.

Community Schools Approach

Our receipt of the Community Schools Grant heralds a new chapter in our mission to foster positive change within our community. With this grant, we can expand our existing initiatives and implement new programs that directly address the needs of our students, staff, and families. One of the primary goals of PUENTE Charter Elementary is to foster a positive school climate where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through initiatives such as extending school days, health services, and extracurricular activities, we aim to create a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

By providing comprehensive support services, such as Food Distributions, Vision Screenings and Enriched Learning, all within the school environment, Community Schools aim to mitigate the academic and social impacts that students face outside of the classroom.

PUENTE Charter as a Community School 

Community schools like PUENTE Charter Elementary are more than just institutions of learning; they are community hubs, aiming to uplift students most affected by the inequities present in our educational system. Community schools recognize that a child’s potential cannot be fully realized if they are burdened by the weight of external challenges such as poverty, inadequate healthcare, or lack of access to resources. As a community school, PUENTE Charter Elementary will continue to work on identifying student barriers, collaborate with community partners to leverage resources, and improve the overall well-being of students within the neighborhoods we serve.

Moreover, PUENTE recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between home and school. By actively involving parents and caregivers in the educational process, we strive to create a collaborative partnership that reinforces learning both inside and outside the classroom. The Community Schools Grant provides us with the resources needed to enact meaningful change and break the cycle of educational inequity. By leveraging community partnerships and embracing a ‘whole-child whole-family approach’ to education, we continue to pave the way for brighter futures for our students and our community as a whole. Through the Community Schools Grant, we are not only changing outcomes for individual students but also laying the foundation for a more just and equitable society.

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