[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 56 (Monday, April 1, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE PUENTE PROGRAM

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 1, 2019

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the Napa Valley College Puente Program on the 15th anniversary of its 
implementation.
  Since its launch in 2004, the Puente Program has served 
underrepresented community college students in the Napa Valley. The 
curriculum-focused program was designed to assist Napa Valley College 
students that are statistically more likely to not finish college. The 
Puente Program helps students acquire the necessary skills for success 
in both their academic and professional careers. Students are paired 
with a Counselor, English Instructor, and Mentor to help them prepare 
to transfer to a four-year college or university. The program accepts 
all students, but the majority of students link their background to 
Mexico and other countries in Central and South America. The Puente 
Program tailors its services and class materials to connect students to 
their Mexican-American and Latino identities.
  The Puente Program also spurred the creation of the student-led 
Puente Club. The Puente Club has been instrumental in collaborating 
with the community on initiatives, including the first ever Dreamer's 
Conference. The Napa Valley Community Foundation awarded the program 
three grants to help further its impactful work. Many of the students 
of the Puente Program have already positively impacted our community. 
Two students became Napa County Student Leaders of the Year, one is a 
dedicated social worker, some have become Puente leaders, and even more 
have returned to serve our community in myriad ways.
  The Napa Valley College Puente Program is a member of the Northern 
California Statewide Puente Project. It is governed by a statewide 
Memorandum of Understanding and the college funds personnel and events. 
The Napa Valley College Puente Program would not be the successful and 
collaborative project it is today without its founders, Cathy Gills, 
Mary Salceda, and Christina Rivera.
  Madam Speaker, the Napa Valley Puente Program is an important 
institution in our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that 
we honor the program on its 15th anniversary.

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