MESA is a statewide program through the UC Office of the President, which provides academic development for middle and high school students to prepare for baccalaureate degree programs in mathematics and science and careers in engineering and other mathematics-based scientific fields. The program’s primary goal is to provide support for students from underserved communities through fun, hands-on projects and other college awareness activities to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college and career pathways.

Through collaboration with K-12 schools, families, higher education institutions, academic preparation and outreach programs, and industry partners, the UCSC MESA program provides academic support and planning, enrichment opportunities, parent leadership, career exploration, and college awareness to students, families, and partner schools across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The annual MESA Day Preliminary Competition brings hundreds of students to campus to compete against their peers in a variety of science, math, and engineering events. The UCSC MESA Schools Program is jointly sponsored by the Jack Baskin School of Engineering and the Educational Partnership Center (EPC) and is part of EPC’s ongoing, comprehensive student academic preparation efforts to improve student learning and increase college-going rates.

UCSC Program Director: Bronwyn Moreno, MESA Director

Program home page: http://epc.ucsc.edu/site/MESA_Schools_Program/65/