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BRIDGING COMMUNITIES
Certification Program
Project Goal
The Bridging Communities Recognition Program aims to build organizational capacity by supporting participating organizations in improving how they engage, serve, and respond to the needs of the Latino community.
Bridging Communities Recognition Program is a voluntary community-building initiative that helps organizations understand how the Latino community experiences and/or is represented in your organization as customers, clients, staff and board members.
A committee of local organizations, agencies, and community members identified six focus areas that serve as the Recognition Program’s framework: Representation, Communication Access, Community Connections and Engagement, Safe Environment for All, and Open to Feedback (feedback mechanisms). Within each focus area there are multiple criteria that local organizations must fulfill to receive the recognition.
How to get certified
To begin the process, interested organizations complete an intake form and self-assessment, then receive a review by the El Puente Recognition Program Team. At the end of the assessment process, the organization receives a report that identifies the strengths and provides a roadmap for growth. Following an in-depth review, candidates may receive a one two or three-star Recognition and an Action Plan that offers opportunities for improvement.
From start to finish, the Recognition Program process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Certificates are valid for three (3) years. To maintain certification, organizations must continue to meet criteria as denoted in the assessment, address the feedback provided in their Recognition Program report, and update their self-assessment before their certificate expires.
Process
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Applicant completes the online form
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El Puente Committee of community stakeholders reviews the application
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El Puente Committee members interview the applicant (either in person, by e-mail or phone)
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El Puente Committee provides the applicant with a written report
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El Puente Committee provides the applicant with an action report
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El Puente makes a press and public announcement of certification.
For recertification, the organization or agency is required to submit a maintenance report every three (3) years.
Selection Criteria
The three-tiered Bridging Communities Recognition Program—One-Star, Two-Star, and Three-Star designations—celebrates organizations that demonstrate a commitment to understanding, welcoming, and supporting the Latino community. Higher designations reflect deeper levels of engagement, implementation, and impact across the program’s focus areas.
⭐️One Star
Awarded to organizations that are beginning their journey toward greater cultural responsiveness. These organizations demonstrate intentional interest, have completed the self-assessment, and show a commitment to learning, reflection, and foundational improvements that support Latino customers, clients, staff, and community members.
⭐️ ⭐️ Two Stars
Awarded to organizations that have implemented multiple inclusive practices across the Recognition Program focus areas. These organizations demonstrate measurable progress, active community engagement, and organizational policies or practices that reflect cultural awareness and responsiveness.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Three Stars
Awarded to organizations that exemplify best practices and leadership in welcoming and supporting the Latino community. These organizations show deep integration of equity and inclusion into their culture, operations, and decision-making, actively seek
and respond to feedback, and serve as models for others in
the community.
Start Certification Process
To get started, organizations self-identify their current ability to meet the criteria outlined below and if necessary, participate in informational interviews with the Bridging Communities Recognition Program Team. These conversations provide space to share existing practices and identify areas for growth. If an organization falls short in any area, the Recognition Program Team will provide guidance, tools, and practical resources to strengthen services and better meet the needs of the Latino community—ensuring the process is supportive, collaborative, and growth-focused rather than punitive.