Club Arizona to Engage Children in the UA Experience

The club's members will get discounts to UA events and information on how to get involved.

A club tailor-made for students who have not yet reached college is about to launch at The University of Arizona.

In a joint effort, Arizona Athletics and Enrollment Management are launching Club Arizona, a membership-based program for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

"We want more campuswide involvement, making the club academic, spirit and sports oriented,” says Phoebe T. Chalk, assistant athletics director.

Office Depot sponsored the program and provided the initial funding, Chalk says.

Youth from all over the nation now have a chance to become part of the Wildcat family as early as kindergarten. And some more good news: Membership is free.

Club Arizona has multiple functions. It will connect youngsters to the campus early and often, informing them of on-campus cultural, academic and athletic events and activities.

“The UA provides an array of opportunities for young students in our community,” says Lori Tochihara, early academic outreach director at the UA. “Club Arizona is unique because it provides an opportunity for students who don’t have easy access to campus to feel connected to the UA.”

Club membership also comes with a subscription for a newsletter containing information about various campus events and special programs. Club members also will get an identification card and reduced admission to University events, such as theatrical performances, athletic events and summer programs.

Plus, a Club Arizona Web site will allow youth to learn even more about what is going on at the UA.

“We envision the Club Arizona site as a one-stop-shop for kids and families who want to find out how they can involved in UA academic, cultural and athletics opportunities,” said Scott Cason, director for marketing and communications in the office of Enrollment Management. “We also see the Web site as a key building block in our effort to build lasting relationships between with schools and families.”

Admission for a number of events during what is called “Club Arizona Days” is $1 for members. The first Club Arizona Day is Sept. 28 – the volleyball game against the University of Oregon. The 7 p.m. game will be held at McKale Center, and the day will include face painting, prizes and a time to get autographs from members of the Arizona team.

“The key is to get young kids to the University so they know that, ‘One day, I can go there too,’” Chalk says. “Even if they chose not to go to the UA, they can still see that getting to college is something they can obtain.”

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