Puente
Supporting the Educational Success of Students with an Emphasis on the Latino/a/e/x Experience
Puente (Spanish for bridge) students enjoy an exciting and supportive learning experience while studying at Sierra College.
The Puente program is sponsored by the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) and the Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges. Puente has provided tens of thousands of California students with a vision of success and the support to make that vision a reality.
Our Mission
To increase the number of students who transfer and enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn their degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors of future generations.
Our Program
Puente students enjoy an exciting and supportive learning experience while studying at Sierra College. More information about this nationally recognized program can be found at The Puente Project.
Three Components of the Puente Program
Classes
The content of the Puente classes and assignments focus primarily on topics about the social, cultural, historical and educational experiences of Latino/a/e/x population in the United States.
Fall Semester
- English 1A: College Reading, Writing and Research
- Personal Development 1: College and Life Success
Spring Semester
- English 1B: Critical Thinking: Writing About Literature
- Ethnic Studies 30: Intro to Chicana/o Studies
Counseling
Work one-on-one with a counselor and Puente students work closely with their counselor to remain focused on their academic, personal and career goals. Students will improve their study skills, explore their career options, develop their academic educational plan and identify their lifetime goals.
Mentors
This is a great opportunity for students to begin networking with local professionals who can share career information and educational opportunities.
Learn more in the Puentista and Mentors video.
How to Apply
- Fill out the Puente Interest Form.
- Email the form to Adriana Lopez or Lauren Velez. Interest forms can also be mailed to: Sierra College, Counseling Department, 5100 Sierra College Blvd., Rocklin CA 95677.
Building Bridges to Life-Changing Opportunities
Where to Meet Your Peers
Puente Club
Build leadership skills and find support in the Puente community of students and staff. Receive mentoring and join roundtable discussions. Learn more about the Puente Club of Sierra College. Everyone is welcome!
Activities
Puente students take field trips to universities and attend off-campus cultural events.
Fall Semester
- Campus Latino/a/e/x Events
- Orientation
- Nocha De Familia
- Transfer Motivational Conference
- Mentor Experience
Spring Semester
- University Tours
- Campus Latino/a/e/x Events
- Mentor Experience
- Graduate Recognition
Student Engagement Centers
The Student Engagement Centers (SECs) offer intersectional programs and services that include but are not limited to cross cultural, LGBTQ+, and gender identities with historically marginalized, underserved, and underrepresented student-scholars. The SECs, which serve as brave spaces across our campuses and surrounding communities, provide student employment, leadership opportunities, and co-curricular programming that advance equity and inclusion of all student-scholars.
Puente has made a huge impact on my life. It has been extremely supportive of my educational goals as well as my personal goals.
Juan Magallón, Puente Graduate
Once a Puentista, Always a Puentista
Meet our alumni and learn about the impact Puente has had on their lives.
Juan Magallón
Puente Graduate
“Puente has made a huge impact on my life. It has been extremely supportive of my educational goals as well as my personal goals. Puente also has lots of available resources. With my major being Political Science, this program gives me so many avenues on how I can further my education and shown me that you can do anything that you set your mind to.”
Karina Hernandez
Puente Graduate
“Puente has been the best experience of my life. Both my Puente counselor and Puente English instructor have taught me to never give up, no matter how hard things get. I really love Puente because they have helped me get through my classes. And like they say ‘Once a Puentista, always a Puentista’.”
Dr. Maria Salcedo Bautista
Puente Graduate, PhD, Social Work
“The Puente Program taught me the importance and value of higher education. They provided a familia that supported me and inspired me to transfer. The Puente faculty believed in me and I learned that I too, could become a doctor someday.”
Find CommUnity at Sierra College
The CommUnity Center (LR-446) at Sierra College is dedicated to empowering and supporting disproportionately impacted students. It is a sanctuary where programs like Wonoti, The Village, Umoja, Unidos and Puente converge to nurture academic success, cultural affirmation, and leadership development. The Center provides counseling services, peer mentoring and a variety of resources. Come on by!
Make an Appointment with a CommUnity Counselor
To make an appointment, log on to Sierra Connect via mySierra and click on the CommUnity tile. The tile will highlight our CommUnity Counselors who are here to support you.
CommUnity Counseling Hours
- The Village/Umoja (Room J-8): Wednesdays, 11am –12pm
- Unidos (Room J-8): Tuesdays, 11:30am–12:30pm
- Wonoti (Room J-8): Wednesdays, 12pm–2pm
- Pride (Room J-2): 12:30pm–2pm
Get In Touch
Adriana Lopez
L-180
Adriana has an MS in Counseling from Oklahoma State University and a BA in Psychology, Minor in Business, and Ethnic Studies Certificate from the University of San Francisco. As part of LGBTQ+ community, Adriana is passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ students and the intersectionalities of their identities. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and going to concerts.
Puente Resource Room
Building J, Room 8-E