The Tucson Area
The Tucson metro area is a dynamic, multicultural region that draws on Latino, Native American, and numerous other influences and is one of the largest urban centers in the desert Southwest. But Southern Arizona also faces many of the same challenges in development practice that affect other parts of the world, including migration and border issues, climate change and environmental stressors, and entrenched poverty and social exclusion.
Therefore, an important part of the studies of many MDP students involves local engagement with populations, organizations, and issues in Tucson and southern Arizona, as well as the US-Mexico border, which is less one hour away.
Local Opportunities
Many MDP students have undertaken internships, assistantships, and summer practicums with organizations including:
- Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
- Habitat for Humanity Tucson
- Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona
- International Rescue Committee
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Arizona
- Pima County SmartScape
- Literacy Connects
- Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
- Tucson public schools
They've also worked with local branches of national institutions such as the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Park Service, and the USA National Phenology Network. Through courses and other activities, students have also made numerous site visits throughout Southern Arizona as well as in the neighboring Mexican state of Sonora. Upon graduation, a number of MDP students have stayed on in Southern Arizona working with local agencies.
University Partnerships
Students have also engaged locally through their studies at the University of Arizona, including working with the Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology (BARA), studies with professors within the School of Geography and Development, and programs operated in collaboration with Native American nations in the region. In addition, numerous elective courses at the University also relate directly to southern Arizona, in disciplines including Geography, Anthropology, American Indian Studies, Agricultural and Resource Economics, Engineering, Renewable Natural Resources, Agricultural Education, Environmental Health Sciences, Food Studies, Hydrology, and Public Policy.