The PUENTE College and Career Program increases the number of low-income, primarily Latinx youth who break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through education, with a focus on Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics (STEM) and careers in Medicine. Starting in 9th grade, and providing continual services for up to 8 years, the College and Career Program empowers students to excel in their pre-college performance; successfully gain acceptance and persist through college, and obtain a competitive degree and realize professional success.
College Access Update- During Fall 2020, College Access is serving 380 students in our Boyle Heights and Los Angeles partner high schools with our direct instruction, including cognitive strategies for a high-performance GPA; successfully meeting the A-G requirements; knowledge of self and cultural identity; promoting civic engagement, and knowledge of post-secondary options. Our students attend Saturday open-access events in partnership with the USC Keck School of Medicine for guided career exploration workshops; mentorship with stem and medical professionals; and internships in fields of interest. To best support student performance on the SAT college entrance exam, our high school juniors attend our comprehensive SAT preparation program and local university tours every spring.
College Success Update- College Success, our program services to our post-secondary students, celebrated the 30 students accepted into our Avanzando through College Program in partnership with UnidosUS. Students engage in monthly activities that support their continued college success, including maintaining educational goals; career planning; building one’s network, and public speaking skills. Students also meet biweekly with a case manager for additional dedicated support for college completion and the transition to their chosen professional field.
Campus Visit to USC Keck School of Medicine- Our PUENTE College and Career students will participate in our second annual “Walk with the Doc,” a program component that brings medical students and professionals together with our students for a community walk while sharing career insights and guidance. This year, our walk will be a tour of the USC medical school campus and will utilize the safety equipment including masks and shields provided by our USC Good Neighbor partners.
This program is supported (in part) by the USC Good Neighbors
Grant Program funded by university employee contributions to
support university-community partnership.