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2026–2027 Transfer Firsts PODS

Transfer Firsts: Professional Opportunities for Development and Success (PODS) is a professional development fund program for First-Generation transfer students! This page is here to highlight the events and steps that will count toward your program requirements and give you a chance to have everything at your fingertips.

Overview

Triton Firsts and the Triton Transfer Hub collaborate to provide First-Generation transfer students with professional development funds. First-Generation is defined as neither parent nor guardian receiving a four-year college degree from an institution within the borders of the United States.

The school year is divided into thematic quarters. The purpose of the different themes is to introduce students to various involvement opportunities on campus, expose them to professional development options, and build community through the events we will be hosting.

  • Fall Quarter: Sign up & attend events hosted by the Triton Transfer Hub, Triton Firsts, or the Student Veteran Resource Center
  • Winter Quarter: Keep attending events and building community
  • Spring Quarter: PODS Professional Development Awarding Luncheon

Application

Fill out the application! This is how we will contact you to let you know if you receive the funds.

If you are currently a PODS participant, there is no need to fill out another interest form for the winter quarter. New winter quarter applicants are required to fill out the interest form.

TRANSFER FIRSTS PODS APPLICATION

Program Requirements

To receive professional development funds (which will be granted upon meeting program requirements), participants must complete all requirements listed below:

  • Attend at least 5 events run by either the Triton Transfer Hub or Triton Firsts.
  • Attend at least 1 peer coaching session with a Triton Transfer Hub Peer Coach.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A PEER COACH

Professional Development Funds

Once you have completed all the requirements for the quarter (go you!!), you will receive an email from the coordinators letting you know you are eligible for funds and prompting you to make an appointment to purchase professional development. These funds can be used toward your professional development expenses:

  • Conference registrations
  • Graduate school applications
  • External course costs or fees (not tuition or lab fees)
  • Tools or software for use in your area of study, etc.

Funds should not be utilized towards obtaining your degree and cannot be used for professional clothing. Funds must be used by Week 9 of Spring Quarter. Funds expire past this date.

If you are unsure of what to use your funds for or want to discuss your professional development, schedule a meeting with anyone from our PODS team.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH OUR PODS TEAM

Have More Questions?

Contact our team to answer any questions or concerns you may have:

In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.