Puente Learning Center

Mission

PUENTE Learning Center is recognized for its commitment to its mission, embodied in its name: People United to Enrich the Neighborhood Through Education. As an established nonprofit presence in the underserved Boyle Heights community since 1985, PUENTE has empowered over 120,000 individuals to realize their achievement goals by accessing our tuition-free resources, leading to self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. Founded by Sister Jennie Lechtenberg as a tutoring program for elementary school students who needed remedial support to succeed at grade level, PUENTE rapidly expanded when parents requested English as a Second Language classes to be more effective as their child’s first teacher. PUENTE implemented family literacy activities right from the start and promoted a family-centered education through the development of its programming. As this dialogue with the community continued, PUENTE developed comprehensive educational and wrap-around services for children, youth and adults. PUENTE’s record of accomplishment with research-based educational outcomes and compassionate wrap-around services matches the vibrant and culturally rich community we serve.

Organization Information