Regis University kicks off the inaugural PUENTE “Bridge” Program for first-gen students

This summer, Regis University kicked off the Pipeline Uplifting Excellence in Nursing Training and Education (PUENTE) “Bridge” Program for the first time. This program provides incoming pre-nursing students with equal and accessible health care education at Regis, growing into a 4-year cohort-based scholarship and support opportunity. 

The PUENTE “Bridge” Program begins with a 12-day summer orientation before the fall semester, where students are introduced to a variety of potential health care careers while becoming acquainted with the Regis campus.

Angel Saldana, a PUENTE student and rising Regis freshman, shared how the PUENTE program has prepared him for success at Regis. 

“Since I come from an area that doesn't have a lot of health care-based learning, my favorite part has probably been nursing in general,” said Saldana. “Seeing the different options that I have, like various ways I can go through my path, I don't have to be stuck with one profession. It's been really interesting to learn.” 

Elevating the next generation of health care professionals is a goal not only for Regis but for the wider Denver community as well. Earlier this year, Regis University announced a $585,060 grant from The Colorado Health Foundation to support the PUENTE program. 

Long-time partner of Regis, the Tepeyac Community Health Center, additionally works to enhance health care education for first-gen students through collaborative efforts. Jim Garcia, Regis alumnus and founder and CEO of the Tepeyac Community Health Center, affirmed the shared mission of education. 

“I am keenly aware of the critical need that exists to train the next generation of healthcare providers, who view patient care through a culturally responsive lens,” said Garcia. "The PUENTE program truly represents a transformational opportunity for first-gen students at Regis to meet this critical need." 

Through this year’s changes in federal backing to health care and education, Regis remains committed to key Jesuit values through service, education and empathy. Regis University’s interim president, Rev. D. Scott Hendrickson, S.J., D.Phil., met with the students of the PUENTE program this July, engaging in this opportunity for the first time. 

"I'm proud of Regis University's 2025 PUENTE students as they launch their studies and a rewarding career in nursing,” said Fr. Hendrickson. 

As Regis students begin their classes on Aug. 25, students of the PUENTE program will put their summer preparation into use, ready to uphold the standard of practice that Regis-educated nurses continue to strive for.

Learn more about the PUENTE “Bridge” Program at Regis.