The Smart Start Career Fellows Program

  • Alumni Networking Mixer with Smart Start Attendees
  • San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Site Visit with Smart Start Attendees
  • Alumni Networking Mixer with Smart Start Attendees
  • Accenture hosts Smart Start Program
  • Accenture hosts Smart Start Program
  • Alumni Networking Mixer with Smart Start Attendees
  • San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Site Visit with Smart Start Attendees
  • San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Site Visit with Smart Start Attendees
  • Center Theatre Group hosted Smart Start Attendees at the Ahmanson Theatre
  • Smart Start attendees at City of Hope

What is Smart Start?

Launched in 2017, Smart Start was created for sophomore students who identify as first-generation college and/or low-income (FLI). The primary goal of the program is to provide career development opportunities and experiences for students who have an interest in exploring various post-Pomona pathways.

Program Offerings

  • Individual advising sessions
  • Targeted self-assessment, career research, and networking support
  • Industry site visits
Some of the site visits have included Google, Accenture, Museum of the African Diaspora, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, National Center for Youth Law, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

2026-2027 Application Timeline

  • Monday, September 21, 2026 – Application Opens
  • Sunday, October 4, 2026 (at 11:59pm) – Application Closes
  • Friday, October 9, 2026 – Decision Notifications
  • Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Participation Acceptance Deadline

Apply Here to be a 2026-2027 Smart Start Career Fellow!

2026-2027 Mandatory Program Dates

  • Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (8am-5pm) – Kick-off and Professional Development Session
  • Mondays, November 2nd, 9th, and 16th (4:30pm-6:30pm) – Professional Development Sessions
  • Monday, November 30, 2026 (4:30pm-6:30pm) – Pre-Trek Orientation
  • Wednesday-Friday, January 13-15, 2027 (All Day) – Trek days in the Los Angeles area
    • Includes a commitment to an early arrival back to campus
  • Coaching session dates/times to be determined by the student and their CDO Advisor coach

*The Smart Start Career Fellows program is managed and led by the Career Development Office, with support from the Office of Advancement. Originally underwritten by Accenture, the program is now fully funded by alumni and family donations.