CALES ASEMS is aimed specifically at STEM majors in the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences (CALES). The program serves both first-time first-year students and community college transfer students. The partnership with CALES provides these students with a direct link to college specific resources and support that champions them in their targeted career path, including graduate school pathways.
CALES ASEMS started in Fall 2018, and has served close to 450 students since it's inception.
Students should be an entering STEM major in the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences (CALES). This includes all majors in CALES with the exception of FITS (Fashion Industry Technology and Science) and RCSC (Retailing and Consumer Sciences).
In addition, students should also meet at least one of the following requirements:
First generation college student (neither parent or guardian has completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree)
Demonstrated financial need, or come from a limited income family – often through a Pell Grant award.
Community college transfer student
- Individualized support from staff and peer mentors to guide your academic and personal goals
- A community of STEM scholars from similar backgrounds
- Success courses to accelerate and enhance your involvement in STEM opportunities at the University of Arizona and beyond
- Guidance in STEM undergraduate research, internship, and career preparation opportunities
- Workshops related to professional development, personal wellness, graduate/professional school preparation, etc.
- Study spaces and community building events just for ASEMS scholars
- ASEMS community specific kitchenette and food pantry
- Access to tutoring opportunities for STEM courses
- And more!
- Attendance at ASEMS Welcome Orientation (Fall) and STEM Engagement Workshop (Spring) in your first year.
- 2-3 required meetings with a Student Success Specialist each semester in your first year, with additional meetings as needed in returning years.
- Regular meetings with a Peer Mentor throughout each semester in your first year
- Completion of 1-credit ASEMS success courses:
- CALS 197B Success in STEM (first-time first-year students only)
- CALS 297B Research Readiness (Both first-time first-year and community college transfer students)
- Grade Report Reflection activity each semester as a check point on your goals
- ASEMS course and program evaluations
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open! To complete our brief application, click on the following link: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2uf0xDjj5V8Q3oW
Once we've received your application, our CALES ASEMS Student Success Specialist will follow up with you for next steps!
CALES ASEMS Program Specialist: Teresa Cortéz (teresasosa@arizona.edu)