About the Program
What is Pioneer Career Accelerator?
Pioneer Career Accelerator is a federally funded fellowship program offered through the Career Empowerment Center (CEC) at Cal State East Bay. Designed for rising seniors and recent alumni (ages 18–28), this program helps you confidently navigate your transition from college to career.
Through this program, you’ll gain:
– Personalized career coaching
– Networking with employers and alumni
– Resume & interview support
– Industry exposure through site visits and events
– Up to $600 upon completion*
*Additional funding available on a case by case basis.
This program is open to those authorized to work in the U.S. and prioritizes applicants planning to enter healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, or public service, but all majors and interests are welcome!
Who Is Eligible to Submit an Interest Form
You’re encouraged to submit an interest form if you are:
- A CSUEB rising senior or recent alumni (within the past year)
- Between the ages of 18 and 28*
- Authorized to work in the U.S.*
- If male at birth, must be registered for selective service*
- Interested in developing a clear career path with real-world skills and connections
*These are established federal eligibility requirements.
Priority is given to applicants who:
- Are graduating soon or are recent graduates*
- Are interested in careers in healthcare, public service, infrastructure, or manufacturing
*This opportunity is still open to juniors & all graduate students.
What You’ll Experience
Here’s what your journey as a Career Fellow will look like:
Fill out a short interest form to get started.
Meet with your case manager to develop an Individualized Employment Plan & complete a Pathway U assessment.
Develop core career readiness skills by receiving support on your resume, LinkedIn profile, interview prep, and more.
Broaden your professional network by attending Career Fairs & Coffee Chats, meeting alumni and faculty, and special networking events.
Get hands-on experience by participating in Career Treks (job site visits), job shadowing, internships, and more.
Complete the program, earn your Career Readiness Credentials & receive up to $600.
Why You Should Participate
Pioneer Career Accelerator is designed to empower you with practical tools and guided support. Whether you are preparing to enter the workforce, exploring new opportunities, or refining your professional direction, this fellowship provides a structured pathway to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Participants may also be eligible for additional financial assistance related to transportation, living expenses, or professional development opportunities.
We are also partnered with the following organizations to provide additional training and resources:
COOP Careers is a tuition-free, post-grad fellowship that connects students and recent graduates with alumni mentors, peer cohorts, and job preparation in fields such as digital marketing, data analytics, and financial services. PCA Career Fellows who participate in COOP automatically earn 6 points toward their Experience branch badge, and related activities like resume building, LinkedIn updates, mock interviews, and networking events may qualify for additional points. Learn more at coopcareers.org.
Junior Achievement (JA) is a nonprofit that offers hands-on programming in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship through workshops and online modules focused on real-world financial and career skills. PCA Career Fellows who complete JA programming earn 5 points toward their Experience branch badge, recognizing their engagement in high-quality, skill-building opportunities beyond the classroom. Learn more at norcal.ja.org.
If you are ready to take the next step in your professional journey, we invite you to express your interest by completing a short interest form.
Please reach out to PCA@csueastbay.edu. You can also find commonly asked Questions at the bottom of this Page.
Program Leadership
Dr. Harshdeep Singh Nanda
Grants Director | Pioneer Career Accelerator Program | Career Empowerment Center
Dr. Harshdeep Singh Nanda is the Grants Director at the Career Empowerment Center (CEC) at CSU East Bay, where he leads workforce development initiatives and manages public grant programs aimed at expanding equitable access to education and career pathways. He brings over a decade of experience across K–12, community college, and university systems, with a focus on program development, cross-sector collaboration, and equity-driven strategy. Prior to his current role, he supported student success and outreach efforts within the California Community Colleges system. Harshdeep holds a B.A. in Political Economy with an emphasis and minor in Public Policy from UC Berkeley and an M.P.A. from San José State University. He also hold an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from San José State. Outside of his professional work, Harshdeep enjoys family life and is a proud father to a curious and energetic one-year-old who keeps him and his wife on their toes.
Rachel Ticas
Experiential Learning Coordinator | Pioneer Career Accelerator Program | Career Empowerment Center
Rachel Ticas is the Experiential Learning Coordinator at the Career Empowerment Center (CEC) at CSU East Bay, where she supports the design and implementation of student-facing career readiness programming. Rachel will serve as the primary Case Manager for all participants. With a degree in music therapy and a professional background in administrative support and programming, Rachel understands firsthand that career paths aren’t always linear.
“I didn’t follow the traditional path tied to my major, but I learned how to sell my skills and show my value in other industries. That experience is at the heart of this program: helping students realize how their strengths can translate, and giving them the confidence to move forward.”
Meet the Team
PCA Intern, CEC
PCA Intern, CEC
PCA Intern, CEC
Director, CEC
Data Analyst & Office Manager, CEC
FAQ’s
Career Fellows will:
● Attend an orientation and meet with a Case Manager
● Create an Individualized Employment Plan (IEP)
● Participate in workshops, events, and career exploration
● Complete assignments via Canvas
● Earn points for each activity to unlock badges and rewards
It depends! The Pioneer Career Accelerator is asynchronous, flexible, and self-paced, so you can complete it on your own schedule. Most participants will finish the program in about 4 to 6 months, depending on how and when they engage. You can move faster—or take your time—based on what works for you
Nope! PCA offers flexible, hybrid participation. Some activities are virtual, others are in-person. You can build your path based on your goals, schedule, and interests.
All activities, assignments, and badge progress are tracked through Canvas, CSUEB’s online learning platform AND CalJOBs. Your Case Manager will review your submissions, monitor your point total, and award badges as you go.
You’ll earn points for each activity you complete. Once you reach:
● 50 points total
● At least one activity in each category: Develop, Connect, and Experience you’ll complete the program and earn your stipend and credential.
Badges can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile to track your growth & highlight your skills to employers.
You can earn points by:
● Attending career fairs, workshops, or site visits
● Submitting your resume or LinkedIn for review
● Participating in job shadows, internships, or COOP Careers
● Completing digital tools like JobScan, PathwayU, or LinkedIn Learning
Have an idea? You can also propose your own activity that supports your career goals. Just connect with your Case Manager for approval!
PCA is designed primarily for graduating seniors, recent alumni, and graduate students who are preparing to enter the workforce. That said, if you’re a freshman or sophomore who is highly motivated and meets the eligibility criteria, you’re welcome to submit an interest form. Just keep in mind that space is limited, and priority is given to later-stage students.
At this time, the PCA program is only open to students who are authorized to work in the United States due to federal funding guidelines. If you’re unsure about your work authorization status or have questions, feel free to contact PCA@csueastbay.edu for more information.
Selective Service is the system the U.S. government uses to maintain information on those potentially subject to military conscription. Most U.S. citizens and male immigrants between the ages of 18–25 are required to register. Because PCA is federally funded, proof of Selective Service registration is required for eligible participants. If you have any further questions regarding eligibility – please contact us at PCA@csueastbay.edu
COOP is a post-grad fellowship that offers training in fields like digital marketing and data analytics. If you complete COOP, you automatically earn 6 Experience points toward PCA. Some other COOP activities may count toward additional points – talk to your Case Manager to track them!
Junior Achievement (JA) is an external program that provides training in financial literacy and career readiness. If you participate in a JA workshop or module and complete the full program, you’ll earn a full badge under the Develop branch. Just submit your proof of completion to your Case Manager to receive credit.
You can fill out an interest form at any time as we will be accepting applicants on a rolling basis.