(1972 - present)

The Mathematics Department participates in the Professional Internship Program for High School Students sponsored by Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). This program allows gifted and talented students in high schools to receive high school academic credit for their experiences in local hospitals, computer companies, newspaper offices, laboratories and other businesses, as well as University departments. It provides opportunities for such students to investigate professional fields and possible career choices.

Since our participation starting in 1972, over two dozen students have been placed in our department. They meet weekly with their mathematics mentor to discuss calculus, mathematics software, mathematical problems, various mathematical projects, and university life. For example, one student recently visited the University of Arizona Mirror Laboratory, wrote a summary of the visit, and then created and solved a problem involving the parabolic shape of a mirror and its reflection properties. The students can learn different applications of mathematics, how mathematics is used in science, and ways in which a mathematics degree may be used in different careers.

Students interested in participating should start by contacting the PIP office at (520) 225-4652 or visiting the PIP website.