Breaking the cycle of poverty among first-generation youth and immigrant adult students

Income inequality

East LA Central LA County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

While college enrollment rose in 2024 rebounding from pandemic-era declines and college completion rates improved, the proposed 2026 federal budget threatens to halt or reverse this progress. Projected cuts to education funding like the elimination of federal Pell Grants and college access and success programs would make higher education increasingly inaccessible, particularly for low-income students. For 27 years, the PUENTE College and Career Program has been a vital resource in our community, contributing to a significant increase in college enrollments and graduates within our service area. For 40 years, PUENTE’s Adult Education Program has supported adults in pursuing their educational goals: learning English, earning a high school diploma or U.S. citizenship, or gaining new career skills. Their educational journey is complex: balancing work, family responsibilities, financial constraints, technology gaps, and barriers like rigid program formats or a lack of academic confidence.

College and Career Program – In partnership with three LAUSD high schools in communities that historically faced systemic barriers to higher education, program staff provide culturally-relevant curriculum and intensive case management to over 500 students in grades 9 to 12. Experiential learning opportunities (healthcare career exploration workshops, Career Fair, college and financial aid application support, college visits, summer program) are open to youth throughout Los Angeles County serving an additional 200 students annually. Over 160 postsecondary students and graduates attend virtual monthly workshops focused on supporting student retention towards degree completion, micro-scholarships, paid summer internships, soft skill building and financial literacy. Adult Education – In partnership with East LA Occupational Center and Adult Education Division of two local community colleges, Adult Education Program provides year-round classes in English as a Second Language, High School Diploma and Equivalency, Career Skills, and Citizenship. PUENTE awards micro-scholarships to cover costs like textbooks, test fees, and cap and gown. Students in Career Skills were awarded completion certificates including Medical Office Administration, In-Home Supportive Services, Early Childhood Development and Digital Skills (Google, Microsoft and Adobe applications). Both programs provide case management in support of student retention and include socioemotional support and targeted resources.

In PUENTE’s service area, 95% of residents are Latinx and median household income is $54,440 compared to $76,367 countywide. The renter’s rate of Boyle Heights (75%) and East LA (65%) is among the highest in the county (54%). Only 11% of our service area residents over the age of 24 have a Bachelor’s degree, and 45% hold less than a high school diploma. The core vision of PUENTE’s youth and adult programs is to increase the number of low-income, disadvantaged individuals who complete high school and pursue a post-secondary degree or certificate as close to debt-free as possible. Through academic support, wraparound services and new initiatives like alumni and workforce development services, individuals are prepared to enter the workforce or to continue their postsecondary education and achieve powerful economic outcomes. Long-term, PUENTE will track annual household income and career advancement related to high school and/or college completion through annual alumni surveys.