The Puente Learning Community hosted its annual Noche de Familia event for the families, friends, and supporters of the 2025-2026 Puente cohort on September 4, 2025. Noche de Familia recognizes the cultural wealth that exists within our cohort and serves as an opportunity to honor the important role families play in the lives of our students and their college-going experiences. It provides an opportunity for families to meet the Puente faculty and learn more about the Puente model, events, college resources, and college expectations.
The event was hosted in both English and Spanish and began with a warm welcome from Dr. Nathan Carter, Skyline College President, and Dr. Carol Hernandez, Skyline College Vice President of Instruction, who both emphasized the importance of a support system and the positive impact that learning communities have had on their own college journeys. Following this, Raul Amaya introduced SparkPoint and highlighted the variety of resources they offer, including financial coaching, free groceries, an Undocumented Community Center, and transportation benefits. The presentation concluded with an overview of the Puente Learning Community, the college process, and the importance of the financial aid application.
The evening concluded with an interactive activity, during which students and families were divided into two groups. The families and supporters collaborated to create a list of ways they could support their students in college, and the students worked together to identify what they needed from their families to feel supported. Common themes included providing transportation and other basic needs, respecting their boundaries and space, being emotionally supportive, and helping with their time management.
Thank you to those who supported in planning the event and showed up for support including our speakers Dr. Nate Carter, Skyline College President, Dr. Carol Hernandez, Skyline College Vice President of Instruction, Raul Amaya, SparkPoint Program Services Coordinator and our supporters Crystal Rangel-Cruz (Puente Student Assistant), Marisa Thigpen (Learning Communities Program Services Coordinator), Ellen Murray (Acting Dean of Counseling, Advising and Matriculation) and Puente Co-Coordinators, Lucia Lachmayr and Angela Serrano. achmayr and Angela Serrano.
Photos by Crystal Rangel-Cruz, Phase III Puente Student and Puente Student Assistant
