The bank granted the funding through a Volunteer Service Award to Alison Hong-Novotney, Wells Fargo Project Manager and one of Y.E.S.’s Puentes volunteers.
Y.E.S. student directors are soliciting suggestions and collaborative opportunities from the Latino community for use of the $1,000 donation. Possibilities include a major annual Latino cultural event, English language workshops and work- and life-skill training sessions.
Hong-Novotney became involved through an HSU Spanish class for native Spanish-speakers. She volunteers with Puentes for the opportunities it affords K-12 students to find a niche in the Humboldt community. The program equips them with key skills and increases their chances of securing successful careers in college and after.
Puentes provides weekly volunteer trainings on how to work with the Latino community in Humboldt County. Currently Y.E.S. students are tutoring at Pacific Union and Lafayette Elementary Schools. They also mentor students at McKinleyville Middle School. Work with McKinleyville High School and Eureka Adult School is in the planning stages for spring semester.
Puentes is designed to bridge the gap between Humboldt State University students and Humboldt County’s Latino community. Language services and English education make it easier for those in need to obtain vital social services. Youths learn how to bridge linguistic, economic and cultural gaps.
In addition to mentoring and tutoring at local K-12 schools, Puentes volunteers serve as language and cultural advocates for the Latino community.
HSU student and Puentes director Crystal Ramirez says, “I love volunteering for Puentes. We serve children at a young age because a lot of them are having a difficult time now, and it’s not too late to make a difference for their future. I especially like the fact that we are helping Latino children learn English because I myself was an English language learner.”
Puentes is one of 15 student-run volunteer programs operated by Y.E.S., which enables Humboldt State students and the constituencies they serve to effect positive social change on a daily basis. Students learn how to become active citizens, partners and leaders in local and global communities through direct engagement with issues of diversity and equal access for the underrepresented.
Details are available at 707/826-4965, yes@humboldt.edu and humboldt.edu/yes/programs/puentes.