University of Arizona

Supporting the potential of every student is a priority at the University of Arizona. Dedicated to providing interdisciplinary degree programs and experiential learning opportunities, graduates are better prepared to pursue fulfilling careers with a competitive advantage.

University programs engage communities throughout the 15 Arizona counties where place-based, cocreated programs help meet evolving community needs. Approximately 90% of the Arizona population live in urban centers, with about 74% living in Phoenix and Tucson Metropolitan regions. The University of Arizona Land‑grant University is dedicated to developing science-based collaborations for the benefit of residents in towns and cities, supporting healthy living, thriving businesses, successful government, and NGO organizations.

Urban communities offer opportunities and challenges. With steady population growth, extreme low-desert summer temperatures, and limited water resources, urban landscapes have rapidly changing needs. Sustainability and community resilience is at the forefront of program investments that focus on community well-being (education on early childhood needs, youth development, family resource centers, 4-H, and financial literacy programs), public health (including nutrition, food safety and public health pest management programs), food systems and food security (urban smart agriculture and Master Gardening programs), environmental stewardship (fire wise landscapes, water quality, and irrigation efficiency), as well as workforce development and community leaders programs (Project CENTRL and public health workforce development).

Research and innovation excellence combined with key Extension initiatives generate positive community impacts and creative endeavors that transcend disciplines and bring science to bear to solve grand challenges.