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Triton Community Leadership Institute (TCLI) 

The Triton Community Leadership Institute (TCLI) is a yearlong leadership and mentorship program for new UC San Diego freshmen students who are primarily first-generation college students and/or have financial need.

Support. Leadership. Inclusion. Success.

Discover your potential as a student leader at UC San Diego! The program begins with a 4-day residential summer retreat (July 31 - August 3, 2023). Throughout the academic year, mentees will participate and engage in one-to-one mentor meetings, individual and group coaching sessions, mentor group gatherings, TCLI Fridays, and will be provided resources for ongoing support during their first year at UC San Diego.

Benefits

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  • 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.

 

Cost

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

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What's included

Whats-Included.jpegSummer 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

Past participant testimonials

“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."

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“I’m really glad I got to take part in this program. I feel like I’ve made a lot of friends, have a mentor to look up to during college, and feel closer to the college that I'm attending. I feel grateful for the relationships I’ve made, the things I’ve learned, and especially for the mentors who have made significant efforts to make this program a real thing. Thank you for this.”

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Can I attend both Summer Bridge 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 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?

Yes, TCLI and SEI students can participate in both programs. 

If you are participating in SEI, please refer to the SEI web page for more information on the dates.

Can I attend UCSD Summer Session and TCLI?

Unfortunately, TCLI students can not take Summer Session I 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.

Sample schedule

  • Icebreakers & EnergizersSample-Schedule.jpeg
  • 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

Apply for TCLI

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.

2023-2024 Triton Community Leadership Institute Application

 Important Dates: 

Application deadline: Friday, June 23, 2023

  • TCLI decisions released via email: June 28 -30, 2023
  • Participant required forms due: Friday, July 7, 2023
  • Final details for TCLI program sent via email: Monday, July 17, 2023
Summer Retreat: July 31 - August 3, 2023

 

Questions? Email Alina Aleaga aaleaga@ucsd.edu