To build community, we place each first-year student on a team of 15-20 other first-year students. During weekly meetings, students will engage in team-building activities, thoughtful discussions, and career development exercises.

Here are some of our first-year events:
Opening Event – meet your team for the first time and have some fun!
Escape Rooms – work together to solve the mystery and learn about team-building in the process.
Days of Service – serve the Tucson community and bond with your team.
Blue Sync – be creative and make a music video with your team.
Field Day – practice teamwork and communication on this day of outdoor games and problem-solving.

YEAR 2 – LEARN

You will learn advanced leadership concepts and apply them by working with local non-profits and corporate partners to solve real-world challenges.

Fall Semester
Design Thinking for Social Change – Learn how to create social change using the design thinking process. This is an interactive course that features participation and engagement from the students to maximize the learning experience. (3 credits)

Spring Semester
Peer Mentorship and Leadership – Plan and practice leadership through peer mentorship theory. Practice facilitation strategies to become an effective mentor and leader. (3 credits)

YEAR 3 – PRACTICE

Apply the leadership skills and knowledge you have developed while creating positive change. Become a peer mentor or a preceptor for our program. This may be the most impactful experience you have during your time on campus. This is a rare opportunity for formal leadership, and it will grow your leadership skills greatly.

Equiss – Attend our social justice retreat to explore concepts surrounding identity, inclusive leadership, allyship, and liberation. Create a personal plan for acting on social change as an inclusive leader.

Professional Development Sprint – Participate in activities/workshops that focus on networking, building a competitive resume, and interview skills to make sure you’re prepared for what comes next.

YEAR 4 – LEAD

You will apply the skills and knowledge you learned in Blue Chip to a program-wide scale. Year 4 is designed to allow you to leave your legacy with Blue Chip. You will also develop the personal and professional skills needed for a smooth transition from college into your career.

Senior Capstone – Meet weekly in this seminar-style class to refine Blue Chip student experience, dig into professional and personal development, and plan your Year 4 Retreat. (2 credits fall & 2 credits spring)

Year 4 Retreat – spend a weekend with your closest Blue Chip friends with fun activities, personal development, and relaxation.

Like many university programs, Blue Chip charges a small program fee. Each year of Blue Chip Leadership Experience costs $250. Fees are charged to your university account at the Bursar’s Office and can be paid in the same manner that you pay tuition or other fees.

Fee Waivers: 

Blue Chip students who demonstrate financial need can apply for a fee waiver by completing the Fee Waiver Application. The fee waiver program is available to students who need assistance paying for between 25% and 100% of the $250 First-Year Experience fee. The Fee Waiver form will open on July 10th and close on August 10th. Only students who have enrolled in Blue Chip by July 10th will be eligible to apply for the fee waiver.

Payment Plans:

If Blue Chip students would like to pay $125 per semester for two semesters, they can enroll in the payment plan by filling out the Blue Chip Payment Plan Form. Students enrolled in the payment plan will still make their payments through their Bursar’s Account via UAccess.arizona.edu.

Please do not let cost keep you from participating in Blue Chip! Contact us for more information bluechip@arizona.edu