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CCE Catalyst for Cultivating Professional Opportunities Program (C3PO)

The CCE Catalyst for Cultivating Professional Opportunities Program (C3PO) is a summer-long initiative that provides CCE PhD students with exclusive access to a custom-designed placement they develop with non-academic organizations that rarely host graduate interns.

The program funds fellows' regular stipend and off-campus housing and relocation travel expenses, while they work at the host site on detached duty from Caltech. Fellows also remain covered by their student health insurance. By removing the financial burden from host organizations, this funding model opens doors to professional experiences beyond those typically available through traditional internship or externship programs.

Key Dates for the Summer 2027 Cycle

  1. September 17, 2026: Kickoff Lunch (RSVP Required by Monday, 9/14, at 12:00 PM): Program Overview w/ Q&A Session on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM in B122 Gates Annex
  2. September to December 2026: Interested CCE PhD students should:
    1. Discuss the opportunity with their thesis advisor
    2. Identify organizations
    3. Establish relationships with prospective hosts
    4. Co-develop a proposed scope of work
    5. Prepare materials for application
  3. September 2027 to January 2027: Office Hours for Interested CCE PhD Students on Tuesdays (Sep 22, Oct 13, Nov 3, Nov 24, Dec 15, Jan 5)
  4. January 8, 2027 at 5pm PT: Deadline for Submitting Application Materials, including:
    1. Advisor letter confirming interest
    2. Host letter confirming interest, proposed project, and supervision
    3. Career impact statement
    4. Skill development statement
    5. Statement describing any relationships with thesis research
  5. March 15, 2027: Up to five 2027 C3PO Fellows will be announced
  6. March to May 2027: Caltech's Office of Research Compliance works with host organizations and other Caltech offices to complete the necessary research compliance, intellectual property, and administrative agreements
  7. May 17 – 31, 2027: Externship Preparation Workshop (open to all CCE summer 2027 interns and externs)
  8. June 14 – 28, 2027: Externships begin
  9. July 12 – 19, 2027: Mid-Summer Check-In (individual Zoom with each Fellow)
  10. August 20 to September 3, 2027: Externships end
  11. September 15, 2027: Kickoff Lunch for 2028 Cycle: Program Overview w/ Panel of 2027 Fellows on Wednesday, September 15, 2027 at 12:00 PM