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Family Highlight – meet mirna

PUENTE has impacted multiple generations of Mirna’s family. That impact started with her son and older daughter who attended PUENTE Preschool and are now successful adults, and it continues with her daughter Mikaela who graduated from the same preschool program and is now a third grader at PUENTE Charter Elementary School. As for Mirna, while her children have been learning in their classrooms, she has advanced her own education through PUENTE’s classes for adults, studying English as a Second Language (ESL) and achieving her High School Equivalency certification.

Mirna’s educational momentum continued to build as she tackled her next goal: earning her high school equivalency. Supported by PUENTE’s test preparation classes, she successfully passed the HiSET exam—but she didn’t stop there. Now enrolled at Los Angeles Trade Technical College and pursuing a degree in community planning, Mirna speaks with conviction about her future: “PUENTE has provided me with the resources and motivation to continue my education. One day, I will graduate from college and proudly say that I did it.”

Her story powerfully illustrates PUENTE’s mission—empowering students and families to pursue opportunity. As Mirna pursues her goals, she’s not just creating a brighter future for herself; she’s setting an inspiring example for her children about the possibilities that education can unlock. “Sí se puede,” she says with certainty. “You just have to believe that you deserve the chance.”

“PUENTE gave me that ‘Sí se puede,” Mirna shares. “You just have to believe that you deserve the chance.”

Our Impact

A new opportunity

PUENTE Charter Elementary School (CES) was privileged to be selected for a California Community Schools Partnership Implementation Grant.

This grant positions PUENTE CES as a model for innovative education. The substantial funding of over $1 million, spread across five years, underscores our school’s dedication to tackling deep-rooted educational inequality.

Principal Brenda Meza emphasizes PUENTE CES’s holistic approach, stating that “we offer wide-ranging support services to ensure students’ success in school and in life.” Ms. Meza stresses the importance of removing obstacles to learning in order to unlock a child’s full potential. PUENTE integrates various support services within the school environment including health and dental check-ups, food distributions, vaccinations, and social service referrals.

According to Principal Meza, the grant funding will enable the school to expand on PUENTE’s comprehensive educational strategy. Our “Whole-Child Approach” encompasses the use of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, integration of Socio-Emotional Learning, and teaching methods that are sensitive to trauma experiences. Through this Community Schools Grant, PUENTE aims to enhance student outcomes and work towards our vision of a more equitable society.

student story – Jose’s Journey

Born in Mexico and raised in Boyle Heights, Jose’s journey to higher education was far from straightforward. As an undocumented, first-generation college student at California State University, Los Angeles, he faced significant obstacles that threatened to derail his academic dreams.

“The staff members at PUENTE are always there for me,” Jose explains.“They make time to check in, provide feedback, and help navigate the challenges of being an undocumented student. Now more than ever, their encouragement makes me believe in myself.”

These experiences have done more than support his education—they shaped his professional identity. Jose has developed critical leadership skills, improved his public speaking, and gained confidence for his future career as a civil engineer.

Jose continues to face significant pressures in his final stretch of college. Yet, thanks to PUENTE, he feels prepared. Jose’s story represents more than individual achievement. It’s a powerful illustration of how targeted support can transform educational barriers into opportunities. Through organizations like PUENTE, students can not only survive complex educational systems but truly thrive.

As he moves closer to graduation, Jose carries with him the skills, confidence, and support that will propel him towards his goals.

“PUENTE has helped me in ways I never expected.” Jose reflects. “From financial support to internships, workshops, and mentoring- it’s all been a huge part of my success so far.”

PUENTE Recognized by Congressmen Jimmy Gomez

PUENTE Learning Center has been a respected educational institution in Los Angeles for close to four decades, focusing on providing services to those with the greatest need. Recently, the organization received significant recognition from Congressman Jimmy Gomez’s office in the form of an $850,000 federal grant. This funding, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is designated for PUENTE’s facility renovation project. Our organization is grateful to be considered a reliable partner by the U.S. House of Representatives in their shared goal of enhancing California’s 34th Congressional District.

Strategic plan

During 2023-2024, PUENTE Learning Center finished implementing its three-year strategic plan. As we reflect on the past three years, PUENTE has made significant progress in our five strategic priority areas.

Stewardship and Sustainability

financials

During 2023-2024, PUENTE Learning Center achieved revenues of $7.7 million dollars, an increase of 3% from last year. Operating expenses were $9.5 million. A significant portion of these expenses were channeled towards programming with an ongoing focus to minimize overhead and administrative expenses. In addition, PUENTE invested $5.9 million towards our facility renovation as we look forward to the project’s completion in 2025.

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