LEAF Strengthens Educational Equity: Puente de LEAF Program Graduation Empowers 141 Families to Achieve College Success
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Jose, CA — This month, the Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) proudly celebrated 141 dedicated parents who completed the Puente de LEAF workshop series, a transformative program designed to empower Latino families with essential tools and resources to guide their students through the journey to college and beyond. The completion ceremony highlighted the vital role families play in helping first-generation students succeed in higher education.
The Puente de LEAF program is central to LEAF’s mission of improving outcomes for Latino students and their families by equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the college process. The program offers workshops that cover topics such as financial aid, academic support, mental health, career exploration, and building family engagement in the educational journey.
"Puente de LEAF is more than just a program—it’s a journey that transforms families by equipping them with the tools needed to help their students succeed in college and beyond," said LEAF Executive Director Brittany Alvarez. "Many of these parents are supporting first-generation college students, and their dedication inspires us every day."
In her keynote speech, Alvarez emphasized the impact of the Puente program and the broader mission of LEAF:
“We know Latino students face unique challenges in higher education, with a national graduation rate of less than 20%. But together, we are shifting that narrative. Thanks to families like yours and the tireless efforts of our team at LEAF, I’m proud to share that 81% of LEAF Scholars are persisting in higher education and are on track to earn their degrees.”
The Puente de LEAF program features a multi-faceted curriculum that includes:
Navigating Financial Aid: Detailed instruction on the types of financial aid available, including FAFSA and the California Dream Act, along with practical tools to reduce college costs.
University Success Skills: Workshops on adapting to college life, managing academic pressures, and fostering healthy physical and mental habits.
Career Planning: Guidance on career trajectories, from internships to professional networking, to ensure that students are well-prepared for life beyond college.
Alvarez also took the opportunity to call for ongoing civic engagement: “As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay engaged by voting in the upcoming election. Your voice has power, and by voting, volunteering, and staying informed, you help shape the policies that directly impact our students, families, and community.”
The ceremony, filled with excitement and hope for the future, was a testament to the power of family and community in overcoming systemic barriers and achieving educational equity. With programs like Puente de LEAF, LEAF continues to pave the way for generations of Latino students to thrive in higher education.
About the Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF)
LEAF is dedicated to supporting first-generation Latino students and their families by providing resources, guidance, and support to ensure college readiness, persistence, and graduation. Through programs like Puente de LEAF and the LEAF College Success Program, the foundation aims to increase educational equity and create stronger pathways to higher education.
For More Information:
Contact:
Arturo Muñoz
Communications & External Relations Manager
Latino Education Advancement Foundation
Phone: (831) 245-3727
Email: media@leafca.org
Website: https://www.leafca.org/