The POD (Professional Opportunity Development) process is our step-by-step framework designed to guide participants from the moment they apply to achieving a sustainable, lifelong career. It’s more than just job training — it’s a holistic journey that blends skill-building, personal growth, and tailored support.
After completing the program, participants stay connected as alumni. They can:
Participants continue applying skills, refining goals, and building experience. Support includes:
Participants are matched with an AYO partner (or an external opportunity they find) for job-specific training aligned with their goals. This involves taking a matching survey, finalizing their profile, exploring partner opportunities, and considering options outside the AYO network. Training can take the form of internships, mentorships, or other professional experiences.
Participants build core soft skills, basic technical skills, and foundational AI knowledge. This includes:
Watching the CRC orientation video.
Completing a base skills assessment.
Finishing training modules via LinkedIn Learning, Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, and Coursera.
Completing a capstone project.
Afterward, they receive help refreshing their resume, updating LinkedIn, practicing interviews, and exploring internship/externship opportunities.
Participants engage in self-discovery and career exploration exercises:
Participants complete two types of assessments:
Participants learn the structure of the program, what to expect at each stage, and the available support. This step includes watching the welcome video from the founder, exploring the “Divine Vine” roadmap, and familiarizing themselves with tools and resources. They are encouraged to save all program links and check the roadmap regularly.
Participants introduce themselves, outline their goals, and share why they’re interested in the POD Program. To qualify, they must meet income requirements and have a growth mindset. The process includes completing the participant application, scheduling an introductory meeting, submitting required documents (e.g., ID, SSN, transcripts), and completing a drug test.
(2 Years)
Participants continue applying skills, refining goals, and building experience. Support includes:
(8–12 Weeks)
Participants build core soft skills, basic technical skills, and foundational AI knowledge. This includes:
Watching the CRC orientation video.
Completing a base skills assessment.
Finishing training modules via LinkedIn Learning, Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, and Coursera.
Completing a capstone project.
Afterward, they receive help refreshing their resume, updating LinkedIn, practicing interviews, and exploring internship/externship opportunities.
(2–4 Hours)
Participants complete two types of assessments:
Results are shared with a Program Manager to inform the next steps.
(1–2 Weeks)
Participants introduce themselves, outline their goals, and share why they’re interested in the POD Program. To qualify, they must meet income requirements and have a growth mindset. The process includes completing the participant application, scheduling an introductory meeting, submitting required documents (e.g., ID, SSN, transcripts), and completing a drug test.
(Ongoing)
After completing the program, participants stay connected as alumni. They can:
(12–36 Months)
Participants are matched with an AYO partner (or an external opportunity they find) for job-specific training aligned with their goals. This involves taking a matching survey, finalizing their profile, exploring partner opportunities, and considering options outside the AYO network. Training can take the form of internships, mentorships, or other professional experiences.
(1–2 Weeks)
Participants engage in self-discovery and career exploration exercises:
The focus is on tailoring the plan to evolving ideas and market realities.
(1–2 Hours)
Participants learn the structure of the program, what to expect at each stage, and the available support. This step includes watching the welcome video from the founder, exploring the “Divine Vine” roadmap, and familiarizing themselves with tools and resources. They are encouraged to save all program links and check the roadmap regularly.
The POD process is designed with both participants and partners in mind. While it may seem like a significant commitment, each step is intentional and impactful. For participants, completing the program builds a wide range of skills — professional, technical, and personal — while developing the mindset to adapt, learn, and grow in any environment.
For partners, graduates of the POD process aren’t just job-ready; they demonstrate a proven growth mindset that employers often value as much as, or even more than, technical expertise. Even skills gained outside a participant’s specific career field create a stronger, more well-rounded candidate — someone ready to contribute, compete, and thrive from day one.
We look for individuals who either already have, or are ready to develop, a growth mindset — the belief that skills and abilities can be improved through dedication and effort.
Key qualities include:
Openness to Learning & Challenges – Viewing obstacles as opportunities to grow rather than barriers.
Persistence & Resilience – Staying committed and bouncing back from setbacks.
Embracing Feedback – Welcoming constructive input as a tool for improvement.
Commitment to Growth – Continuously seeking ways to learn, adapt, and excel.
These qualities not only help participants succeed in the POD process but also make them highly valued by employers for their adaptability, drive, and readiness to thrive.
Income Eligibility
If a household’s income is at or below the “Very Low Income” level in the chart below, the participant is eligible for the program.
California Department of Housing and Community Development. (2025). State income limits 2025. https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/income-limits-2025.pdf