Please select one program to meet your Arizona Assurance program requirement for this year. Descriptions and links to program websites can be found below. To select a program, please complete the Mentoring Interest Form and be sure to indicate you are an Arizona Assurance student to see all the options below.
Cohort-Specific Programs
All first-year students MUST select a peer mentoring-based program for their first-year program requirement. These are indicated below with a (1st) next to the name.
Program selections designed for second to fourth-year students are indicated with a year number in parentheses next to the program name below.
Program Descriptions
First Cats Mentoring (1st, 2nd)
First Cats Mentoring pairs first- and second-year first-generation college students with a peer mentor, someone who was in your shoes not too long ago. First Cats offers one-on-one meetings with a peer mentor, interactive group workshops, a network of students, faculty and staff, and connection to other resources on campus. The first year of First Cats, Mentoring focuses on successfully tackling the transition to college, getting involved on campus, mastering time management, setting goals, networking, problem solving, resume building and much more! The second year is focused on solidifying a major, exploring possible career paths, understanding the difference between graduate school and the workforce, building a resume, and making a detailed plan for the remainder of your time at UA. By getting involved with First Cats you will have the opportunity to meet new people and be surrounded by a community committed to your success!
Cultural Learning Communities (CLCs) (1st)
The Cultural Learning Communities (CLCs) merge culture, identity, and academic support through classes/workshops, and peer mentoring. First year students seeking a culturally enriching experience who identify as African American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi-American, Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx, Native American/Native Alaskan, LGBTQ+, or as a person with disabilities are able to participate in one of our six Cultural Learning Communities.
Thrive Guides (1st - 4th)
Our Thrive Guides are undergraduate students who are passionate and highly motivated in helping students navigate the University of Arizona. Thrive Guides serve as peer mentors, meeting one-on-one with students from across campus to discuss their personal and professional goals, connect them to campus resources, and suggest strategies for success. Our Thrive Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and committed to helping students navigate through, excel in, and graduate from the University of Arizona.
Fostering Success (1st - 4th)
Fostering Success is a community for University of Arizona students that have experienced foster care or homelessness. Our support structure provides peer-to-peer mentorship and a community with students with similar lived experiences, professional staff support, and individualized connection to resources on campus and in the community. If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria (experience in foster care, experienced homelessness or housing insecurity, are considered an unaccompanied youth, or participated in Youth on Their Own in high school) please complete the Fostering Success interest form.
TRiO ASEMS & CALS ASEMS (1st - 4th)
Arizona's Science, Engineering, and Math Scholars (ASEMS) program provides services to support students in graduating with a STEM major. This program focuses on promising students who are underrepresented in STEM, especially students who are first in their family to attend college, from low-income households, who transferred from a community college, and from underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities.
First-year students must apply for this program, and 2nd+ students must already be enrolled in ASEMS to participate.
Student Support Services (SSS) - Teacher Prep (1st-4th)
Student Services Support for Aspiring Teachers (SSS Teacher Prep) provides holistic support to students from the moment they enter the program through graduation via meetings with professional staff, peer mentors (college students who have been in your shoes), and tutors. We provide one-on-one support for each student (tutoring, peer mentoring, certification exam support, application support, and more).
First-year students must apply for this program, and 2nd+ students must already be enrolled in SSS - Teacher Prep to participate.
Blue Chip Leadership Program (1st-4th)
Blue Chip Leadership is a nationally-renowned program whose mission is to build leaders that make a difference. Blue Chip Leadership: First Year Experience helps you develop leadership knowledge and skills by combining academic and extracurricular activities like team building, community service and professional development.
Requires payment of $175 fee and application.
First Cats Graduate School Preparation Program (3rd-4th)
Thinking about going to graduate, law, medical or professional school but not sure where to start? Being the first to go to college also means being the first to be able to go to graduate school. First Cats has you covered with a short workshop series that explains the process, how to choose and apply to a program, and equips you with all the tools you need to be successful. The program includes four workshops and two one-on-one meetings.
First Cats Workforce Preparation Program (3rd-4th)
Ready to prepare for the job hunt, but not sure where to begin? Being the first to graduate also means being the first to apply for a job that requires a degree. First Cats has you covered with a short workshop series that explains the process, how to create a resume and interview, and equips you with all the tools you need to be successful. The program includes four workshops and two one-on-one meetings.
Global Experiential Learning Series (2nd-4th)
Integrates travel, multicultural education, and service learning to empower students with knowledge, skills, and values to use as they continue their careers at the University of Arizona (UA) and beyond. Global Experiential Learning strives to create more intentional inclusive and multicultural competent programs to provide a positive experience that is open to all students.
Individualized Options
You must arrange the options below on your own, complete a total of 20 hours prior to spring break (March 2022), and the experience must relate to your future career path. The person or organization supporting the activity (a supervisor) should email Arizona Assurance at aza@email.arizona.edu indicating that you have completed at least 20 hours upon completion.
Internship (2nd-4th)
This option is ideal for those entering the workforce immediately after graduation. Must complete a minimum of 20 hours.
Volunteer (2nd-4th)
This option is ideal for those entering a "helping" field. Must complete a minimum of 20 hours.
Research (2nd-4th)
This option is ideal for those planning to go into graduate school/professional school or a science based career field. Must complete a minimum of 20 hours.
Study Abroad (2nd-4th)
In order to choose this option, you must already be registered for study abroad units.
If you have questions about how to complete your program selection form, please email the Arizona Assurance team at aza@email.arizona.edu.