Puente Students' Responses to Irma Herrera's Play

On November 30, 2021, we had the opportunity to have Irma Herrera, writer and performer of Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? present for a Q&A session with our students. Students were able to stream her play through Latino Theater Co and learned the importance of sharing their names.

Why Would I Mispronounce My Own Name? is one woman’s journey from a small segregated South Texas town to California's multicultural mecca. What part of Irma’s identity is she asked to give up for the sake of fitting in and getting along? How can a simple introduction turn into a potential battle to be heard and seen? Weaving history and comedic insights into stories about names, this solo performer invites us to consider how open and welcoming we really are.

Robyn Orozco, Centennial High School Puente Teacher, sent her class's letters for Ms. Herrera after the event. See a handful of student responses to her play and her response here!

Statewide Academic and Leadership Award 2021 Recipients

It is with great pleasure and pride that we present the recipients of the Puente Project Statewide Academic and Leadership Award. Out of 163 Puente high school seniors who applied statewide, 29 Puentistas are being recognized with this distinction. Congratulations to these scholars, and thank you to the counselors and teachers who encouraged so many to apply. ¡Sí se puede!

2021 Access Partner of the Year | University of Chicago

The Puente Project has been selected as the University of Chicago's 2021 Access Partner of the Year. Sherry Vernon, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions from the University of Chicago, shared Puente was selected due to the "incredible work that Puente does supporting underrepresented students".

We want to highlight the great direct work that Ade Melgoza, our former Counselor Training Coordinator, did in establishing and solidifying an amazing relationship with the University of Chicago. Her efforts and partnership do not go unnoticed. We will continue to foster this partnership with the University, which has brought great opportunities for our students and educators.