Transfer Support Programs

Group of students smiling

Find your transfer community.

Transfer doesn’t happen alone. At San Diego City College, you’ll find programs that offer more than just academic resources - they provide opportunities for community, and a network of support to help you throughout your time here.

Whether you're exploring your transfer options or preparing to apply, many of these programs offer access to dedicated counselors, connections with peers, and culturally-responsive environments that help you stay motivated. Some programs embed transfer support directly into their services, while others create spaces where you can connect with mentors and students who share similar goals.

From learning communities like Puente and Umoja to support services like EOPS, MESA, and Yo Soy STEM, each program offers a unique place to belong, grow and prepare for what’s next.

Explore the programs below and consider where you might thrive!

According to the California Transfer Support Network, students involved in the Puente Program transfer at rates up to 13% higher than those not participating in Puente. Source.

Learning Community Programs

San Diego City College offers several learning community programs in which students complete a set of courses together, creating a supportive and collaborative academic experience. Faculty work closely with students to explore culturally relevant topics while building a strong foundation in subjects such as Personal Growth, English, Math, and Communication. These communities often bring together students with shared cultural backgrounds or academic goals. Programs like Puente, Umoja, HUBU, and ICAN help students complete foundational transferable coursework while developing leadership skills and meaningful connections that often last well beyond their time at City.

*Learning communities are open to all students who may benefit.

Program	Description
	Hermanos Unidos/Brothers United (HUBU) HUBU is designed to support African American and Latino male-identifying students through learning community courses, mentoring, and cultural identity development. HUBU fosters academic and personal growth, mentorship, and promotes campus involvement. Activities include an annual conference, student-led club focused on academic achievement, and community service. The HUBU program is open to all students who may benefit from participating.
	Inclusive City Achievement Network (ICAN) ICAN is designed to enhance support for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students at San Diego City College. Through its AAPI-focused courses, the AAPI Alliance Club, and dedicated academic counseling, ICAN fosters a supportive learning community that enriches students' academic success and personal growth. ICAN is open to all students who may benefit.
	Kiki Kiki is a learning community designed to enhance support for the college's LGBTQIA2S+ community. Kiki focuses on developing community, connecting students to support services, supporting job development, and more. Follow Kiki on Instagram
	Puente The Puente Program supports educationally underserved students in transferring to four-year universities, earning degrees, and becoming leaders in their communities. Puente is taught from a Latinx/Chicanx perspective. Open to all students, Puente offers a learning community of transferable courses, academic counseling, and mentoring. Puente is a collaboration between California Community Colleges and the University of California. Statewide Puente website.
	Umoja Community The Umoja Community at San Diego City College was designed to enhance support for African American and other underrepresented students transferring to 4-year universities. Umoja offers culturally relevant courses (including math and English), mentoring, counseling, and enrichment activities. It fosters academic growth, cultural understanding, and community connections while promoting student retention and self-efficacy through African-American-centered curriculum. Umoja is open to all students who may benefit. Umoja Community statewide website.

According to the Umoja Community Education Foundation, students who participate in Umoja programs are 25% more likely to stay in college and succeed in their courses at rates 10–12% higher than non-Umoja students from similar backgrounds.
Source

Black student thinking

Additional Support Programs

In addition to learning communities, San Diego City College offers a range of academic and support programs designed to help students explore career pathways and prepare for transfer. Many of these programs provide personal, academic & career counseling and other resources that strengthen both academic and personal success.

Program	About
	CalWORKS Believe The Believe Program offers support services to parent learners who receive TANF/CalWORKs benefits. The program supports students with advocacy, academic and personal counseling and much more, to achieve higher education leading to the attainment of a successful career and economic independence.
	City Scholars Program The City Scholars Program was designed to help justice-impacted students transition to San Diego City College. The program provides access to a range of academic, social, and emotional support to help students facilitate their success in college.
disAbility Support Programs & Services	disAbility Support Programs & Services (DSPS) DSPS provides support services and accommodations for students with disabilities, medical conditions, and learning differences. Services include academic, personal, and career counseling, support with disability management, and individualized academic accommodations.
	Extended Opportunities Programs & Services (EOPS) EOPS offers enhanced support to eligible students, including priority registration, academic counseling, and transfer preparation. The program goes above and beyond standard student services to help students reach their educational goals. It includes NextUp, which supports current and former foster youth, and CARE, which serves single parents receiving CalWORKs cash aid. Together, these programs provide a supportive community that offers counseling, book support, and other resources to help students succeed.
	Honors Program The City College Honors Program offers opportunities for students to enhance their learning and prepare for transfer to universities like UC Berkeley, UC Irvine and UCLA. Through participation in honors courses, honors contracts, and a learning community, students gain deeper knowledge, build strong academic skills, and access transfer agreements that support their educational goals.
	Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) The MESA Program supports math, engineering, and science majors with tutoring, academic counseling, scholarship assistance, and industry connections for internships and career exploration. MESA fosters a supportive community of STEM students with shared goals. Eligible students must be STEM majors, intend to transfer, and meet academic and economic criteria.
	Preparing Accomplish Transfers to the Humanities (PATH) The PATH Program, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, supports City, Mesa, and Miramar College students transferring into arts and humanities majors at UC San Diego. PATH offers mentoring, workshops, career exploration, and programming to promote success, retention, and professional development. Eligible students must meet GPA and unit requirements and plan to transfer.
	NextUp Program NextUp (CAFYES) is a supplemental program of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). Its purpose is to support the educational goals and well-being of current and former foster youth. It also provides “over and above” support services to help current and former foster youth overcome obstacles while pursuing their higher education and career goals. See the flyer below to review its services. NextUP Informational Flyer
	Promise Program The San Diego Promise Program provides up to two years of free community college education for students who qualify. The Promise Program offers academic, career and personal counseling, in addition to workshops and enrichment opportunities for students.
	STEM Pathways STEM Pathways at San Diego City College, in partnership with SDSU, supports STEM majors in transferring to four-year universities, exploring careers, and building a diverse professional community. Focused on Latinx and underrepresented students, the program enhances the transfer process and collaborates with MESA to provide resources for success in STEM education and careers.
	Yo Soy STEM Yo Soy STEM is a program at San Diego City College aimed at increasing the number of Hispanic and low-income students who graduate with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The program offers academic support, mentoring, and culturally relevant programming to help students succeed in STEM fields and build a strong sense of community.