Triton Community Leadership Institute (TCLI) 

• Meet and build relationships with peers, established student leaders, and key administrators
• Learn valuable communication and leadership skills to effectively collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Develop an understanding of the dimensions of diversity and social justice.
• Gain the inside scoop on navigating and getting involved in your first year in college.
• Be empowered to make a difference at UC San Diego.

All costs during the TCLI Summer Retreat will be covered. This includes summer campus residential housing, meals, and TCLI program registration fees.

Summer Programming

• 4-day and 3-night residential retreat

Yearlong Hybrid Program

• Monthly workshops on stress relief, campus resources, and community-building
• Monthly peer mentor meet-ups
• Frequent workshops to develop your communication and leadership skills
• Occasional off-campus trips to engage with the San Diego community

“TCLI has been an amazing (and eye opening) experience for me.”

“Literally thank you for accepting me to this program. I look forward to my first year because of you guys, much love!”

“I am really glad I attended the program, which allowed me to meet new people and not feel so isolated in a new environment.”

“I’m glad I joined because I was really contemplating not coming the night before. I’m an anxious, shy person and I wasn’t comfortable coming here, but it was an opportunity that I would do 100 times over again. I've made my first UCSD friends and I've made very important connections here."

Can I attend both Summer Bridge and TCLI?

Unfortunately, TCLI participants cannot partake in both programs. We acknowledge that both programs offer a wealth of resources, experiences, and information that will help you with your transition to UCSD. However, due to time constraints, commitment, and workload we want to ensure students will be fully prepared and engaged in each program. For more information about the Summer Bridge Program please visit their Summer Bridge web page.

Can I participate in both CASP 101 and TCLI?

Unfortunately, TCLI participants cannot partake in both programs at this time. We acknowledge that both programs offer a wealth of resources, experiences, and information that will help you with your transition to UCSD. However, due to time constraints, commitment, and workload we want to ensure students will be fully prepared and engaged in each program. For more information about CASP 101 please visit their CASP 101 web page.

Can I participate in both SEI and TCLI?

Unfortunately, TCLI participants cannot partake in both programs. We acknowledge that both programs offer a wealth of resources, experiences, and information that will help you with your transition to UCSD. However, due to time constraints, commitment, and workload we want to ensure students will be fully prepared and engaged in each program. For more information about the Freshman Summer Engineering Institute please visit their SEI web page.

Can I attend UCSD Summer Session and TCLI?

Unfortunately, TCLI students can not take Summer Session I and/or II due to class schedule conflicts. Due to time constraints, commitment, and workload we want to ensure our TCLI students will be fully prepared and engaged in the summer program.

How are students selected to apply?

The selections are based on the information provided on your UC application such as your parents' or guardians’ education level and the high school you attended. TCLI is geared towards first generation college students, meaning your parents or guardians did not go to college or had some college. Additional information provided in the TCLI application such as the free-response questions are taken into consideration.

Are students who received nominations the only ones who can apply?

Yes, due to limited funding this is currently an invite-only program. However, UC San Diego offers various transition programs over the summer for first-year students and they are encouraged to apply and take advantage of these opportunities. They should contact their college and major department to learn about these opportunities.

Does participating in TCLI affect my financial aid award?

This program does not affect your financial aid award. If accepted to the program all fees for the program will be covered.

Does participating in TCLI grant me priority registration?

Participation in the TCLI program does not offer priority registration to its TCLI participants.

Can I participate in the summer programming and opt out of the activities throughout the year?

Participants who are accepted to participate in TCLI are expected to participate in the summer program and the academic year activities. TCLI is a year-long program and the activities coordinated throughout the academic year are intended to foster a sense of community and support and promote growth beyond the summer program.

• Icebreakers & Energizers
• Community Building Activities
• TCLI Overview and Staff Introductions
• Grounding
• Listening
• UCSD Staff Networking Session
• Storytelling
• Campus Art Tour
• Unlearning and Learning Again
• Making Change
• Open Mic and Talent Show
• Closing Reception

Discover your potential as a student leader at UC San Diego! This program begins with a 4-days and 3-nights residential summer retreat and continues into a yearlong leadership and mentorship program throughout your first year at UC San Diego.

2024-2025 Triton Community Leadership Institute Mentee Application

Important Dates/Timeline: 

• Application deadline: Friday, July 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM PST
• TCLI decisions released via email: July 15 -16, 2024
• Participant required forms due: Friday, July 12, 2024
• Final details for TCLI program sent via email: Monday, July 22, 2024

Summer Retreat: August 5 - 8, 2024