The long-term outcomes of Puente

Abstract

This exploratory study focuses on the long-term educational outcomes of a precollege outreach program: Puente. Based on interviews with 31 matched pairs of Puente and non-Puente students, I explore whether Puente students had greater levels of college participation, persistence in college, and overall preparedness in relation to their counterparts. Albeit a limited sample, Puente does make a difference in students' college participation, persistence in college, and preparedness. Students generally attributed their success to the knowledge and information gained through the program with the Puente counselor serving as an important "institutional agent." This exploratory study affirms the need for greater research on the long-term influences of precollege outreach programs and concludes with a call to understanding increased college participation through the lens of access and success where stronger linkages are encouraged between precollege outreach programs and college-based support programs.