Math, Engineering & Science Achievement (MESA)

Welcome to MESA! Supporting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM and helping them succeed in college, transfer, and career pathways.

What is MESA?

The Math, Engineering & Science Achievement (MESA) Program provides equitable access to STEM support for California community college students. MESA operates at 96 community colleges statewide and focuses on building community, improving academic success, and strengthening STEM career readiness.

Apply to MESA
Students walking down the outdoor steps in front of the Science and Technology building

Benefits of Joining

  • A dedicated STEM transfer counselor
  • Course materials & lab kit vouchers
  • Free tutoring in STEM Courses
  • Scholarship and paid internship assistance
  • Industry tours
  • Paid trips to STEM conferences/events
  • Transfer & academic success workshops
  • STEM-specific university visits
  • A dedicated MESA Student Study Center
  • Academic Excellence Workshops for STEM classes
Three students sitting in a lounge area inside the Science and Technology Building

Program Components

AEW Study Sessions

Students work with peer tutors on how to successfully master complex technical concepts and principles through a collaborative approach.

Academic Advising/Counseling

Students receive individualized academic guidance and develop multi-year plans so they can take courses in the most effective sequence and transfer in a timely manner.

Student Study Center

This dedicated multipurpose space at the STEM Center is the hub for study, workshops, clubs, special activities, and information sharing. It is a key element in building a close learning community.

Assistance with the Transfer Process

MESA provides counseling, workshops, and visits to four-year universities.

Career Development

Students learn specifics about various STEM majors and careers. Industry mentors, job shadowing opportunities, internships, scholarships, and field trips to companies are also offered.

Links to Student and Professional Organizations

These resources support student clubs, provide mentors, STEM speakers, and industry connections.

Professional Development

Through workshops and mock job fairs, students learn soft skills, corporate culture, resume writing, and interviewing skills. MESA conferences include a fall MESA Industry/Student Professional Development Conference, MESA Student Leadership Retreat, MESA/CISCO Mentoring program, and more.

Industry Partnerships

The MESA program offers valuable connections between students and industry leaders. Corporate representatives, including MESA alumni, provide strategic planning, mentoring, summer internships, field trips, and other resources.