CYPRESS : College Adding Latino Assistance Program Long Sought by Students

Cypress College will soon begin a long-awaited program that helps Latinos transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Students had asked administrators for more than three years for the Puente Project, a program at 27 colleges throughout the state that offers Latinos a special writing course and individual counseling.

Cypress is the only community college in Orange County without the program.

An English instructor teaches the students writing skills and uses culturally relevant literature in the classroom. A counselor attends the class to provide help and guidance and also monitors student progress.

In addition, volunteers from the Latino business community serve as mentors. Students are required to return as volunteer mentors once they complete their education.

“The chance for educational advancement will now be a reality for historically underrepresented Chicano students,” said student Geoffrey Richards. “The program will greatly increase Chicano students’ graduation and transfer rates. . . . It was a long struggle, but it has paid off.”

Richards was among those who led dozens of students over the years in asking for the program. Students rallied support from community leaders and activists who helped them stage a 24-hour candlelight vigil last May in hopes of persuading administrators to adopt the Puente Project.