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.
2025-26 Application Timeline
- Application OPENS: October 10, 2025
- Application CLOSES: November 2, 2025
- Send out DECISIONS: November 10, 2025
- Deadline to ACCEPT: November 13, 2025
*Applications are now
closed. Please check back
this upcoming Fall Semester
for an updated application
timeline.
closed. Please check back
this upcoming Fall Semester
for an updated application
timeline.
*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.
