PC PUENTE Familia Celebrates a Year of Excellence and Connection

The Porterville College gymnasium held a different kind of team excitement and a deep sense of community pride on Tuesday, May 5th, as the PC PUENTE program held its annual year-end celebration. Students, faculty, staff, and proud family members gathered for a festive dinner to honor the hard work and achievements of our dedicated Puentistas over the past academic year.

The evening featured warm words and reflections from PC President Primavera Monarrez, who highlighted the incredible "familia" that continues to flourish within the program. More than just an academic track, PUENTE has cultivated a supportive network where students and mentors forge bonds that extend well beyond classroom walls.

Attendees revisited the milestones of the 2025–2026 academic year, showcasing the rich experiences that define the PUENTE journey. The year was defined by insightful trips and tours of four-year universities that offered a tangible glimpse into future academic pathways. These experiences were bolstered by engaging group gatherings and focused academic enrichment activities, all of which provided essential opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As the Puente mission states, the goal is to "increase the number of educationally underrepresented students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees and return to their communities as leaders and mentors to future generations." This year’s celebration serves as a powerful testament to that mission, highlighting how Porterville College actively turns these aspirations into reality. We heard from several of our graduating Puentistas about their incredible journey and how the Puente program, and specifically, the Puente program faculty and staff, have helped them succeed where they once thought they could not.

For the students, PUENTE provides a comprehensive support system through close collaboration with dedicated counselors, English and Math professors, and community mentors. These partnerships ensure that Puentistas gain the invaluable skills and guidance necessary for a successful transfer to four-year institutions. The 2026 year-end celebration was a vibrant reminder of the BIG and bright futures being built right here in Porterville.

Congratulations to all our Puentistas—we look forward to seeing you continue to lead, mentor, and bridge the path to success!