Twenty-six students in MiraCosta College’s Puente Program were the lucky recipients of free laptop computers, courtesy of the McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., a Top 10 U.S. commercial builder with a location in San Diego.

Executive Vice President Robert Betz and Division IT Manager Ray Latour were on hand at the college on December 14 to meet the students and present a laptop to each of them. The 150-year-old McCarthy Companies, Inc. donates to many programs and organizations and felt strong support for the long-time running MiraCosta College program. “When it involves technology and young minds, the decision is a very easy one, Latour said about choosing to donate to the Puente Program.

The laptop giveaway is a first for the Puente Program and will leave a lasting impression on the students’ educational careers. Student AnaMaria Padilla, a dance and psychology major, was all smiles when she was handed her laptop.
Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back more than you’d expect,” Padilla said.

MiraCosta College Associate Dean Dr. Nikki Schaper and Puente Counselor/Co-Coordinator Luke Lara assisted in presenting the laptops to the Puente scholars. Founded in 1981, the Puente Program’s mission is to increase the number of educationally under-served students who plan to transfer to four-year universities, earn degrees and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. would like to see the children complete their plan of obtaining their degrees, Latour added. “This tool should allow them to do that without the extra challenge of trying to get to a place that has computers to use.

To inquire about the MiraCosta College Puente Program, contact Luke Lara at llara@miracosta.edu, call 760.757.2121 x6563, or visit their website at www.miracosta.edu/puente.