The Puente Program was originally created to increase the number of Mexican-American/Latino students transferring to four-year colleges and universities. It is now open to all students who want to succeed academically, gain recognition as leaders, and graduate from four-year universities.

Puente is a year-long program that includes intensive writing instruction, one-on-one work with a counselor to develop an educational plan, work with community-based mentors, and educational and cultural enrichment activities. Puente scholars enroll in designated sections of ENGL 50 and COUN 100 in the fall and ENGL 100 and COUN 105 in the spring. Puente scholars remain fully supported by the program until they successfully transfer to a four-year university or college.