Puente Project

WELCOME TO THE PUENTE PROGRAM!

PUENTE COUNSELING

THE PUENTE MODEL

• English Instruction

  Puente students take two consecutive writing classes. These classes provide a supportive and stimulating environment for Puente students to build confidence in their writing skills through exploration of the Mexican-American/Latino literature.

  • English A100 in the Fall
  • English A101 in the Spring 
• Counseling

  Puente students take two consecutive Personal Growth courses also known as counseling courses. These courses are designed to help students improve study skills and learn personal success techniques in order to become better students.

  Puente students work closely with their Puente counselor until they graduate, explore career options, develop an academic educational plan, and identify lifetime goals.

  • COUN A105 in the Fall
  • COUN A199 in the Spring
• Mentoring
  Puente students are matched with a mentor from the business or professional community.  Mentors share with students their personal, academic, and career experiences, and provide a realistic view of the professional world. Most of our mentors are previous Puentistas who have gone through the OCC Puente program themselves.

WANT TO JOIN PUENTE?

• Who is eligible?
  • Students who assess into or are eligible for English A100 in the Fall semester.
  • Students who are interested in transferring to a 4-year university or college.
  • Students who want to be active on campus.
  • Students who are you interested in learning and discussing issues that deal with multiculturalism specifically the Mexican-American, Latino/a, Chicano/a experience.
  • Students who are looking for a classroom environment which challenges and motivates them to think critically, write, and enjoy reading literature
  • Students who are seeking mentors.
  • Students who want and need extra one-on-one guidance with the transfer process and educational planning.
• Program Benefits
  • Guaranteed English and Counseling courses for one year (Fall & Spring semesters)
  • Assistance over Summer with getting started, selecting classes, and registration
  • Learning Community that links English & Counseling classes
  • Designated Puente Counselor
  • Local college field trips and cultural events
  • Annual Northern California College Tour
  • Mentoring and networking with community leaders
  • Leadership and volunteer experience
  • University and college transfer preparation
• Program Requirements
  • Attend a mandatory Puente Orientation in April to May
  • Be eligible for English A100 linked to COUN A105 in the Fall semester
  • Register in required Math class depending on academic goal
  • Register in at least 12 units as full-time student
• Apply
  • Apply to Orange Coast College
  • Complete the OCC online orientation
  • Complete and submit the Puente Interest Form 2025-2026
  • ​​Meet with the Puente Counselor for a Puente Informational Orientation:
    • Sessions to be announced between April & May.
  • Puente counselor will review your eligibility and clear you to enroll into the cohort classes

Want to be a puente mentor?

• Puente mentor responsibilities
  • Commit to mentor 1 student for one academic year (2 semesters).
  • Meet with student(s) for at least 9 hours over the academic year.
  • Call student(s) at least once a month to help maintain contact.
  • Help student with mentor related classroom assignments.
  • Acquaint student with own educational and career background and professional expertise.
  • Serve as a positive role model and encourage the achievement of higher education.
  • Support fellow mentors by sharing mentoring experience.
  • Participate in mentor related activities.
• Apply
  Interested in becoming a Puente Mentor? Fill out this INTEREST FORM!