La Casa Engagement Center
The Puente Project helps to prepare educationally underserved students for college admission and success through its combination of accelerated instruction, intensive academic counseling, and opportunities for community leadership.
¡Sí Se Puede!
La Casa is an in-depth Latinx focused academic support program and center. Our main goal is to serve the Latinx student community by engaging students in their personal, social, and academic development through a cultural, historical, social awareness and empowerment program.
Visit Us
Bradshaw Building, Room 202
(951) 222-8168
La Casa – A Foundational Student Equity Program at RCC
We support equity groups with academic, instructional, self-affirming, and direct support. This allows students to remain engaged in campus life while successfully completing coursework, leading to degree completion and/or transfer opportunities. Students will be:
- Supported throughout the four Pillars of the RCC Guided Pathways
- Given the opportunity to engage in academic and equity activities within a supportive community
- Provided opportunities to explore unique academic and professional areas of interest
- Valued and supported in the successful attainment of their academic, career and personal development goals (Riverside City College Student Equity Committee Mission)
Anyone Can Apply
- Apply and complete the RCC Orientation, Assessment and Counseling Process
- Be Enrolled Full-Time
- Be an RCC Home College student
- Submit La Casa Application
- Attend a Mandatory Program Orientation
- Sign La Casa’s Mutual Responsibility Agreement
The application period is currently closed. Please complete the La Casa Interest Form if interested in receiving more information.
The Puente Program
The Puente Project is a national award-winning program that has helped tens of thousands of educationally disadvantaged students enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations. Begun in 1981, Puente combines accelerated instruction, intensive academic counseling, and community leadership opportunities.
The Puente Project helps to prepare educationally underserved students for college admission and success through its combination of accelerated instruction, intensive academic counseling, and opportunities for community leadership. Puente is open to all students.
The Puente Project at RCC is a unique, familial experience that involves the following:
Academic Opportunities:
- Learning Community/Cohort Model classes
- Completing ENG 1A in the fall semester
- Completing GUI 45 and 46 in the fall semester
- Completing ENG 1B in the spring semester
- Completing GUI 47 in the spring semester
- Regular guidance and counseling from the Puente Counselor
- Latinx-focused curriculum
- Puente Peer Mentor
- Puente English Tutor
Academic Opportunities:
- Learning Community/Cohort Model classes
- Completing ENG 1A in the fall semester
- Completing GUI 45 and 46 in the fall semester
- Completing ENG 1B in the spring semester
- Completing GUI 47 in the spring semester
- Regular guidance and counseling from the Puente Counselor
- Latinx-focused curriculum
- Puente Peer Mentor
- Puente English Tutor
Contact us!
Extracurricular Opportunities
- Involvement in the Puente Club
- Community Mentorship
- University Tours
- Cultural Events
- ...and more!
If you are interested in joining the Puente Project, please complete this Interest Form .
Contact us!
Maria.Maness@rcc.edu Counseling co-coordinator
Wendy.Silva@rcc.edu English co-coordinator
Important Links for Dreamers
- DREAMers Allies
- RCC Financial Services
- California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
- United We Dream
- Know Your Rights Poster
- Veterans