Program Description
Proyecto Puentes is dedicated to bridging enrollment disparities, enhancing retention and graduation rates, and delivering comprehensive support for successful transfer pathways. This initiative is an integral part of our commitment to empowering Hispanic and low-income students, staff, and departments at Oxnard College.
Enrollment
- Strengthen academic programs through expanded advising and co-curricular support to pre-college populations, increase post-secondary enrollment for Hispanic and low-income students.
Transfer
- Strengthen academic quality through expanded collaborations with K-12 and four-year education partners to deliver improved advising and transfers services for Hispanic and low-income students.
Professional Development
- Strengthen institutional management by delivering evidence based professional learning in needed subjects to at least one hundred campus employees.
Retention
- Strengthen fiscal stability because of the synergistic activities of the project designed to increase retention, transfer, synergistic activities of the project designed to increase retention, transfer, graduation success for Hispanic and low-income students.
Graduation
- Increase Oxnard College completion graduation rate 5% over the baseline through the synergistic activities of the project including embedded advising, transfer liaison, dual credit, peer mentoring, summer bridge, and evidence-based faculty professional learning.
Grant Director
AS an HSI Grant Director at Oxnard College, I'm honored to be part of the community that helped shape my journey. A proud graduate of Hueneme High and former Oxnard College student, I eventually mad my way to CSUCI to complete my studies. With over seven years at Oxnard College, I'm excited to see what's next. Swing by CH-333 and say hello!
Grant Accountant/Administrative Assistant
As a first-generation Oxnard College Alumni, I am honored to work at Oxnard College and give back to the community that helped shape my own educational journey. Although my formal education is yet complete, I remain passionate about supporting individuals from all walks of life. It brings me great joy to hear and witness student success stores. I understand that college life can be overwhelming, but know that Proyecto Puentes and Oxnard College are here to support you every step of the way. Please stop by and take full advantage of the many resources and opportunities available to you through Puentes and OC.
Student Services Assistant
Hello, my name is Jasmine Torres, and I am the Student Services Assistant for Proyecto Puentes at Oxnard College. I am an Oxnard College and CSUCI Alumni and I have a passion for helping students. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. I am here to help!
Peer Mentors
Hello, my name is Emilio. I am a Chemistry major looking to pursue a career in dentistry. Some things that interest me are the NBA, going to the gym, great apes like Gorillas and Orangutans, and reading. My favorite reads right now are Sixty-One by Chris Paul and Outliers by Malcom Gladwell. My goal as a Peer Mentor and embedded tutor is to guide students of all backgrounds to success while on their college journey. In my roles, I help students with their homework and exam studies as well as advise them to take advantage of the many resources we have here at OC.
My name is Emily Dorado and I am a Peer Mentor for Proyecto Puentes at Oxnard College. I am a first-generation Mexican American college student born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. After leaving my hometown, Oxnard College helped me establish a stable community by creating an inclusive environment. Throughout my time in higher education, it had granted me the opportunity to experience things I never thought possible. Experiences such as traveling to different countries and meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. Some of my passions include creating visual art, surfing, and spending time with loved ones.
Hello, my name is Cesar Garcia, and this is my second year at OC. I am pursuing a career in Education, hoping to become an Elementary School Teacher. One of the reasons I chose this path is because I want to have the same impact on my students as my teachers had on me. I hope to gain valuable experience working with students during my time here with Proyecto Puentes and so far, it hasn't disappointed. One of the things I like to do in my free time is watching psychological thriller films like The Guilty, Prisoners, and Nightcrawler.
This is my third year attending Oxnard College, and I'm proud to be the last of my siblings on the verge of graduating. For my family and I, this is more than just academic, it's a shared dream. My academic journey has represented the hard work, resilience, and values that I've grown up with and ahve developed along the way. The Proyecto Puentes community has been a valued source of support, helping guide me through this journey. I am currently majoring in Environmental Science and look forward to transferring in Spring 2026 to one day become an Environmental Engineer to help improve and make a difference in the environment and the living quality of animals. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with my niece and friends, relaxing at the beach, and watching videogames.
This is my second year attending Oxnard College, and as a First-Generation student with roots in Mexico. I know how challenging navigating college can be. However, Proyecto Puentes serves as a great bridge of transition and guides students toward success. I am currently majoring in Psychology and look forward to transferring in the Spring of 2026 to one day become a Licensed Therapist and help people better understand mental health, fostering healthy habits and behaviors.
Access the Transfer 101 Online Workshop through your student portal or by scanning the QR code.
Please visit our Linktree to view or learn more about our upcoming workshops and events.
The Summer Scholars Program was made to support first year students during their transition from high school to Oxnard College. This program provided these students with important information about the resources OC has to offer. Additionally, the program offered embedded & outside tutoring, as well as priority registration for a field trip to California State University Channel Islands. Furthermore, Peer Mentors offered one-on-one support for students who may be in need of peer mentorship and guidance regarding their college academic journey.
Please complete 2025 OC Summer Scholars Interest Form if interested in participating
Additional Information on OC Summer Scholars
Summer Scholar Orientation Dates (only one orientation attendance required):
April 30, 2025, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
May 7, 2025, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
May 8, 2025, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm