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UC Santa Cruz MESA College Prep Program

The MESA College Prep Program is an academic preparation and STEM enrichment program that partners with underfunded and underserved middle schools and high schools to provide educationally disadvantaged students with a variety of innovative services and opportunities. The MESA College Prep Program assists students in increasing their educational performance and becoming better prepared for a college and university education. Further, MESA helps students expand their math and science knowledge and learn more about the exciting career opportunities in related Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

MESA is administered by the University of California through local MESA centers at public and private universities throughout the state and is funded by the state legislature, industry contributions, and grants.

Services and activities are typically provided at the school site through after school programs or MESA elective courses offered at a regularly scheduled time during the school day. Activities are led by school-site math or science teachers, called MESA Advisors. On occasion, special trips or events are also held on Saturdays.

MESA

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program. MESA engages thousands of educationally disadvantaged students so they excel in math and science and graduate with math-based degrees. MESA partners with all segments of California higher education as well as K-12 institutions.

MESA has a proven track record in producing math-based graduates by providing support such as classes, hands-on competitions, counseling, transfer support and a community environment to students from middle school through four-year college.

Since 1970 MESA has helped students become scientists, engineers and mathematicians, filling an urgent need for qualified technical professionals. Through three branches of MESA, students from all segments of education are served through local centers throughout California. MESA partners with industry and all the major education institutions in California.

MESA’s three branches are: MESA College Prep Program (MCP), MESA Community College Program (MCCP), and MESA University Program (MUP). To learn more about each program, please visit the links listed above.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help underserved and underrepresented students achieve success in STEM studies and careers.

MESA enables educationally disadvantaged students to prepare for and graduate from four-year colleges or universities with STEM-based degrees. Through MESA, students develop academic and leadership skills, increase educational performance, and gain confidence in their ability to compete professionally. MESA focuses on students from groups that have historically had the lowest levels of attainment to four-year and graduate programs. By closing the achievement gap, MESA students and graduates are better able to make significant contributions to the socioeconomic well-being of their families and their communities.

Our Vision

Our vision is to see California’s STEM workforce reflect the diversity of its population.

Our work supports the national science and mathematics educational agenda by ensuring that all MESA students are mathematically and scientifically literate so that they can play a leadership role in an increasingly technological world.