Proven Leadership. Built for Your Future.
In 1999, founder Terry Thompson launched Blue Chip with a simple vision: to make a big campus feel like home. What started with 200 pioneering students has grown into the University of Arizona's flagship leadership program, supporting 600+ students annually.
What It Means to Be “Blue Chip”
In the financial world, a "blue-chip" asset is the gold standard, representing long-term stability, prestige, and proven return on investment. We applied that same standard to leadership development here at the University of Arizona.
As a Blue Chip Wildcat, you aren't just joining a campus program; you are actively building a high-value portfolio of real-world experiences, peer networks, and professional skills designed to pay dividends for the rest of your life. You are the single most valuable asset you can ever invest in, and we are your personal development partners.
Community & Belonging
We break a massive campus down into inclusive, supportive small teams led by dedicated peer mentors who care about your success from day one.
Learning by Doing
Leadership can't be learned from lecture slides. From Escape Rooms to meaningful Tucson community projects, we prioritize active, hands-on growth.
The Professional Edge
We translate student milestones into high-demand career skills that employers are looking for. Even more, our coursework builds into a formal academic minor that pairs with any major.
Have questions about joining the Blue Chip family?
Spaces in our first-year cohorts fill up quickly. Whether you're a student trying to map out your schedule or a parent calculating fees, we're here to help.
Directory
Aaron Davis Martinez
Associate Director
Lexi Austin
Lead Coordinator
Ariana Torrejon
Senior Coordinator
Shota Magick
Senior Peer MentorBryn Murphy
Senior Peer Mentor
Noah Romero
Senior Peer Mentor
Jocelyn Salgado-Plascencia
Senior Peer Mentor
Maryan Samaniego
Leadership Ambassador
Adriana Soto
Leadership Ambassador & Peer Mentor