PUENTE Charter Elementary School students in Transitional Kindergarten

PUENTE Learning Center is honored to announce a $1 million gift from the Helen and Will Webster Foundation to fund major improvements across the PUENTE campus. This transformational gift will help ensure that future generations continue to learn, grow, and thrive at a campus designed to inspire possibility.

The gift will support a re-imagined schoolyard, a refurbished parking lot, as well as enhanced campus fencing and security to create a safer, more beautiful, and more welcoming environment for everyone who walks through PUENTE’s doors.

“We are deeply grateful to the Helen and Will Webster Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and longstanding belief in our mission,” said Jerome Greening, Chief Executive Officer of PUENTE Learning Center. “This transformational investment reflects the Foundation’s confidence in the work we do every day to expand educational opportunity and strengthen our community. It will allow us to make lasting improvements that will benefit children, families, and adult learners for decades to come.”

Following the successful seismic upgrade and renovation of the Richard J. Riordan Building, these campus improvements represent the next chapter in creating an inspiring environment where learning can flourish. At a time when many families in Boyle Heights continue to navigate significant challenges, this investment reinforces PUENTE’s commitment to serving as a trusted community resource.

Rich Webster speaking at Bridging Generations, PUENTE Learning Center 40th Anniversary Gala

“For more than 40 years, PUENTE Learning Center has been a trusted resource for children, families, and adults seeking greater opportunity through education,” said Rich Webster, Co-President and Treasurer of the Helen and Will Webster Foundation. “Our Foundation is proud to support PUENTE’s mission and invest in a campus that reflects the dignity, hope, and opportunity every learner deserves. We believe these improvements will strengthen the community for generations to come.”

Since 1985, PUENTE Learning Center has served as a bridge to opportunity for children, youth, and adult students through high-quality education, workforce development, and comprehensive family support. This extraordinary investment will enhance the learning environment for thousands of students, families, and community members while strengthening PUENTE’s role as a welcoming hub for education, opportunity, and community.

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PUENTE Charter students at Building Bridges to Wellness, August 2026

On August 5, families and community members came together at PUENTE Learning Center for Building Bridges to Wellness, a special event focused on connection, wellness, and starting the school year strong. 

The back-to-school event gave families an opportunity to connect with teachers, community partners, and valuable resources while enjoying activities designed to support well-being. Attendees visited our hydration station, created personalized journals, explored garden activities, and planted microgreens to take home. 

Families also received air purifiers, generously provided in partnership with Breathe SoCal, helping bring the focus on wellness into their homes, especially as our service area continues to recover from the Lineage warehouse fire. Each family also took home a bag full of groceries, providing additional support for the start of the school year. 

There was plenty of fun along the way, too! Families enjoyed delicious yogurt from Sol y Spoon, participated in raffle opportunities, and took home artwork created by community artist, Pavel Acevedo.

Community members at Building Bridges to Wellness, August 2026

Building Bridges to Wellness was designed to make wellness engaging, accessible, and community-centered. Families left with resources, activities, and supplies they could continue using at home. These resources helped extend the impact of the event beyond August 5, giving families practical tools and meaningful activities to support their well-being throughout the school year. 

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, donors, partners, teachers, and volunteers who helped make Building Bridges to Wellness possible. Their generosity and support created a welcoming space where families could connect, discover resources, enjoy hands-on activities, and celebrate the start of a new school year.

A special thank you to Breathe SoCal for helping provide air purifiers to families and to all of our partners who contributed resources, food, activities, and support. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us on August 5 and helped make the event such a success. We look forward to continuing to bring our community together through opportunities that support the well-being of our students and families. 

Together, we’re building bridges to wellness and creating a stronger, more connected community.

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Last month, PUENTE Learning Center welcomed community members, supporters, partners, and friends to An Open House and Toast to PUENTE, an evening dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration.

The event provided guests with an introduction to the many programs and services offered at PUENTE. Attendees toured our campus, connected with staff, and learned about the impact being made every day through our Preschool, Charter School, College and Career, Adult Education, and Community Services programs. Guests enjoyed performances from our very own Charter students showcasing their talents. Jose Hernandez, a College and Career alumni, shared the impact that PUENTE’s support has had on his academic journey. 

A special toast brought everyone together to celebrate the progress we have made as an organization and the partnerships that help make our mission possible. We are deeply grateful to the many supporters who believe in our work and invest in opportunities that strengthen our community. 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the partners who joined us and helped make the evening so meaningful. Together, we are expanding opportunities and creating brighter futures for the individuals and families we serve. 

We look forward to continuing this work together and welcoming even more community members to PUENTE in the future. 

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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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We’re especially grateful to the runners of Team PUENTE: 61 charter students, 67 parents, 11 staff and adult-student runners, along with 3 preschool students and 4 preschool parent-student runners. Thank you all for stepping up, coming together, and representing our school community with energy and pride. 

This was a rich community event—not only about finishing times, but also about showing up. Along the route, at the hydration station and at the finish line, our PLC team cheered, handed out water, smiled, and high-fived. That kind of visibility matters. It tells our students and families: we believe in you. We believe in our neighborhood. We believe in being present. 

That multigenerational participation—from runners who were younger, older, students, parents, and staff—reminded us all that PLC is not just a school; it’s a community hub. We show up for each other, and we show up for our neighborhood. 

Thank you to every single runner, walker, volunteer, and supporter. Thank you to our charter students, our preschoolers, their families, our staff. Your dedication brings the PUENTE spirit into the streets of Boyle Heights. Thank you for being visible, for being active and for showing up. 

We look forward to more community events, more moments of connection, and more chances to show that PLC stands with our families and our neighborhood every step of the way.

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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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