Much can be learned from California's Puente Project Model that would help students' success in classrooms as well as in college in general, and in their daily lives. Puente, which means "bridge" in Spanish, began in 1982 at Chabot College in northern California and is now in 38 colleges and 19 high schools statewide. Originally designed for Mexican-American students, the project's purpose is to provide a bridge for students from community colleges to 4-year institutions; it is open to all students. The year-long project is comprised of two English classes, personal and academic counseling, and visits with paired mentors. Based on the Puente model, student confidence is one of the keys to success. Confidence is built for Mexican Americans through reading Latino literature, traditional literature, and writing, rewriting, and sharing students'"works in progress" with their "familias" (groups of 4-5 students who establish confidence among each other so they can read and share each other's papers). In the beginning of the year, minimal emphasis is placed on correct grammar usage, instead focusing on expression and enabling students to write what they are trying to communicate. Collaterally, through the counseling component, the intensive academics in English composition and the mentoring component, the Puente project gives students a "voice" and empowers them to live rich, personally fulfilling lives knowing they can succeed in academia, the job market, and in interpersonal relationships. (CR)