Puente Student English Success, Retention, and Persistence at Gavilan Community College.

Abstract

Introduction Historically, the Puente program had focused on Latino students who intended to transfer to 4year institutions. Currently, the program focuses on underrepresented students with transfer intent but is open to all. At Gavilan Community College, Puente students are able to enroll in English classes designed specifically for their needs. These classes are based on the 3-fold Puente model of teaching, counseling, and mentoring and have an in-class counselor, ongoing counseling, a mentor component, tours of 4-year colleges, and a motivational conference. The English classes included are a Fall semester section of English 250, Practical Writing, and a Spring semester section of English 1A, Composition. English 250 is required for an Associate’s degree at Gavilan College. English 1A is transferable to 4-year colleges and is required for a Bachelor’s degree. The goal of these English sections is to help provide a supportive academic setting where Puente students can succeed. This report compares the rates of success, retention, and persistence of Puente students to other Gavilan students in English 250 and 1A.