Michele N Toral
Puente Counselor/Coordinator
Email: michele.toral@gcccd.edu
Phone: (619) 668-1760
Grossmont College Puente Project
PUENTE Project History:
The Puente Project was established in 1981 by Felix Galaviz and Patricia McGrath at Chabot College in Hayward, CA and is an national award-winning program aimed at increasing the transfer success of disproportionately impacted students. Puente follows a 3-part student success model and combines rigorous English instruction, intrusive academic counseling and mentorship. At Grossmont College Puente students also take a culturally relevant course taught from an interjectionally conscious perspective. All students are encouraged to transfer to four-year institutions, earn degrees and return as leaders and mentors to future generations. Puente courses integrate LatinX and multi-cultural literature into lessons, projects and activities.
3-Part Student Success Model
COUNSELING - Students identify career and education plans alongside their counselor both in and out of the classroom. Students must enroll in COUN 120 (College & Career Success) during their first semester as a Puente student.
ENGLISH - In the fall, Puente students take two consecutive English courses, ENGL 120 (College Compostion and Reading) alone or along withENGL 020 (Support Class) depending onGrossmont College questionnaire placement results. In the spring, students take ENGL 124 (Advanced Composition: Critical Reasoning and Writing). Each course focuses on LatinX and multicultural authors and themes.
MENTORING - During the spring semester Puente students are matched with a professionals within the community who have already earned one or more college degrees. Mentors share their personal, academic and career experiences and provide students "insider" tips and information about their journey.
CULTURA (Spanish for the word "Culture") - During their first year at Grossmont College, Puentistas are encouraged to take culturally relevant courses taught from an intersectional approach that acknowledges systemic discrimination. Culturally-relevant courses are encouraged for the purpose of cultivating awareness and empowerment. This requirement is unique to our campus and has added a wealth of knowledge to our students.
PUENTE-friendly suggestions:
CCS 126 - Chican@ and Mexican Art
CCS 236 - Chican@ Literature
HIST 115 - Comparative History of the Modern Americas
Your fall semester schedule will look a lot like this:
Each year Puente Project coordinators select 50 students to participate in a 1 of 2 cohorts. Students interested in becoming Puentistas must meet the following eligibility requirements by the fall semester of the year they wish to participate.
Eligible to register for ENGL 120 or ENGL 120 + 020
No previous credit in COUN 120 or ENGL 120
Must be interested in courses taught from an intersectional perspective that integrate LatinX, Afro-LatinX, or multicultural literature
Commit to participating in college tours, events and activities for a minimum of one year
Should be a first-generation college student
PUENTE Perks
Puente asks for a year commitment from our students. Students take PUENTE instructors for one year and particpate in all PUENTE events. Below is a list of PUENTE Perks you will benefit from:
Priority Registration (Students will retain priority status for as long as they stay in the program)
First Day to Last Day Support - Your PUENTE counselor is commited to you until the day you transfer or graduate. This means your counselor along with the college network of support will not disappear after you've completed your first year.
Priority Financial Aid Filing
PUENTE Financial Aid Advisor - Iliana Garcia
Instructors who respond to your emails and messages within 48 hours
Accessibility - Counselor who responds to texts in a timely manner (except on weekends- replies to texts sent on Saturdays or Sundays may be delayed until Monday)
PUENTE Hoodie, shirt, hat (pending new budget)
One big, happy, supportive, new college familia
Last Updated: 07/17/2020
Contact
Michele N Toral
Puente Counselor/Coordinator
Email: michele.toral@gcccd.edu
Phone: (619) 668-1760
PLEASE NOTE: This link will take to a website outside of the college site.
