Examining the Impact of Puente on Latinx Community College Students in California

• In Event: Examining the Effects of First-Year, Transition, and Support Programs

Abstract

This study explored the impact of the Puente Community College Project on its students in California through a mixed-method research design. This paper presents findings from both a statewide survey of Puente participants and program stakeholders, as well as results from a regional analysis of the Puente Project in San Diego across seven community colleges. The regional results mirror statewide outcome data, which shows Puente students earning higher GPAs, and achieving higher persistence, transfer and college completion rates than non-program participants. Findings suggest the Puente community college project is one plausible solution for raising Latinx and first-generation transfer and completion rates in California.

Authors

• Frances Contreras, University of California - Irvine

• Jesse Enriquez, University of California - San Diego