Puentes New Orleans

Puentes builds bridges for Latine youth in New Orleans by providing education, leadership, and development opportunities. Through our programs-Escalera, L.U.N.A., and Padres Comprometidos-we empower students and families to achieve academic and career success while fostering the next generation of Latine leaders.

Since 2007, Puentes has been one of the few nonprofits in New Orleans dedicated to Latin American youth. We support high school students through Escalera, young adults through L.U.N.A., and parents through Padres Comprometidos. Over 400 Escalera students have graduated, earning over $500K in scholarships. L.U.N.A. participants gain leadership and career skills, with many joining Latine-serving organizations. As Latine student enrollment grows, Puentes works to close educational gaps, advocate for student rights, and expand access to higher education and career pathways.

Testimonials

"En L.U.N.A. pude conocer a más personas que, como yo, se sentían diferentes en los Estados Unidos. Poco a poco, conocer más sobre ellos me ayudó a entenderme mejor a mí mismo. Aprendí a apreciar los momentos de mi vida y, gracias a este grupo, hice amigos que me ayudaron a construir un nuevo hogar y me hicieron sentir cómodo en un ambiente desconocido."