91̽����Ƶ

Malerie Pattugalan knew she wanted to return to college but wasn’t sure how to navigate the responsibilities of a full-time job, the financial duties of living alone, and the additional pressure of new coursework requirements. But when her sister graduated from a local college, and her mother enrolled at 91̽����Ƶ soon after, Malerie was inspired to pursue her education and the Puente Program was there to support her along the way.

As part of the first Puente class at 91̽����Ƶ, Malerie credits the program as creating a community “where students encourage one another in a safe space you can be vulnerable without judgment,” she explains. “Even though you are going to graduate, you have mentors and friends for life.”

The Puente Program is an academic, counseling, and mentoring program dedicated to improving college perseverance and success rates for thousands of California’s educationally underserved students. The cohort exclusively serves 25 students per academic year through personal one-on-one mentorship with local professionals in the community.

Puente’s mission is to encourage community college students to:

• Transfer and enroll in 4-year colleges and universities
• Earn college degrees
• Return to the community as mentors and leaders

“My professors and counselors helped me navigate which courses to take,” says Malerie. “They helped me plan out what I needed to do to pursue my degree.”

Today, Malerie is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy and Exercise Science and hopes to one day find a career as a physical therapist for a professional sports team. But like many students from low-income populations, Malerie struggles to balance finances, work, and class schedules.

“The hardest part for me was being unsure if I’d have the funds or the technology to go to college full time” explains Malerie.

But this is where the power of Puente comes in. Puente grants eligible students’ laptops and hotspot loans, hosts guest speakers, and offers field trips to colleges, universities, and local cultural events to encourage the social and cultural development of students and prepare them for diverse career opportunities. Students receive personal guidance in exploring career options and assistance with creating strategic educational plans to identify their life goals.

“One of Puente’s key principles relies on building a community shaped by cariño, or affection, and Malerie has been a big part of that,” explains Professor Lisa Alvarez. “She understands that success at college needs support beyond the classroom.”

In addition to general mentorship, Puente students also participate in English, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies classes together, which has earned a special place as Malerie’s favorite class to date.

“Malerie has connected with the course’s analysis of indigenous Mexico and the indigenous Southwest,” explains Professor Araceli Centanino. “Her reflections convey her deep thinking about racial formation, power, and indigenous resilience.”

Malerie credits her Puente mentors for helping her build friendships and find community, all things which are helping her navigate her educational journey.

“I got a lot more than I was expecting from 91̽����Ƶ and the Puente Program,” explains Malerie. “Participating will help you find where you need to be and what you want to do next.”

For more information about how to join the Puente Program as a student or mentor, please visit www.ivc.edu/puente.