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What is Puente?

A Transfer-Prep Learning Community

The Puente Project's mission is to increase the number of students who enroll in colleges and universities, earn college degrees, and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations. Puente is open to all students.

The Puente Program is currently recruiting for the 2026-2027 cohort!

Academic year 2026-2027 Puente Interest Form

 

Scroll down below or click on “Eligibility” in our menu for Information Session Dates

Puente Venn Diagram of Success
Puente Model of Success

 

 

AVC's Puente Program is open to ALL students who can take English C1000, HD 101, AND Math (dependent on major*).

The Puente Program is open to students of ALL backgrounds and ALL majors.

* STAT C1000/015S (Puente): Social & Behavioral Sciences, Health & Public Safety, Arts & Humanities, Kinesiology, and Language & Communication Arts

STEM (also dependent on self-placement): Math, Science, & Engineering, AFAB

 

Benefits of Puente Include:

  • Priority registration
  • Guaranteed seats in all Puente courses
  • Curriculum focused on Latine literature and culture
  • Transfer guidance: Personal essays, letters of recommendation, scholarships
  • Professional mentorship
  • Community engagement
  • 1-on-1 academic, personal and career counseling
  • Cultural events & activities
  • University field trips
  • Statewide leadership conference
  • Summer Residential Institutes (Leadership, STEM, & Writing)

For more information visit:

The Puente Project Home Page (UC Berkeley)

https://www.thepuenteproject.org/

 

Additional Information

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES, EMAIL PUENTE COORDINATORS:

May Sanicolas (Counselor/Instructor): may.sanicolas@avc.edu 

Kimberly Castillo (Counselor): kimberly.castillo@avc.edu

Bianca Ascencio (Instructor): bianca.ascencio@avc.edu

Hal Huntsman (Instructor): hal.huntsman@avc.edu

All information sessions will be held in La Plaza/Dreamer’s Center (T300-C) next to CSU Bakersfield/AV. You can view the campus map to find the specific location. We will provide detailed information about the program and make the commitment form available to you. When you commit, a Puente counselor will meet with you individually to briefly discuss your goals and coursework. We can accommodate up to 30 students who are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Puente is open to ALL eligible students regardless of race, creed, and background.

Upcoming information sessions

  • Tuesday, May 19, 2026
    • 4:00PM-5:30PM
  • Monday, June 29, 2026
    • 11:00AM-12:30PM