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About MESA
The MESA Schools Program is a statewide program through the University of California Office of the President, which provides academic development for middle school 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 primary goal of the UC Santa Cruz MESA Schools Program is to provide students from educationally disadvantaged and traditionally non-college going families with academic preparation in mathematics and science and college and career awareness opportunities that empower MESA students to transform their lives.
Through collaboration with K-12 schools, families, higher education institutions, academic preparation and outreach programs, and industry partners, MESA engages students in fun, hands-on activities and motivates them to pursue college and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. MESA provides a variety of academic support, enrichment opportunities, and college awareness to students, families, and partner schools across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.
- MESA Day Competition: Students follow MESA-developed curricula that reinforce California State Math and Science Standards to build hands-on projects, such as Team Math Quest and the Multi-Purpose Vehicle Challenge. Students enter these projects in local, regional, and national MESA Day competitions to test their skills against their peers. View/download the 2008 MESA Day Preliminary Competition Results (PDF) and the event Fact Sheet (PDF).
- Academic Enrichment: Students learn the most effective techniques for academic success to promote teamwork, student leadership, study and test-taking skills for the SAT/PSAT, critical thinking, and the application of science and mathematics-based concepts and principles.
- Teacher Professional Development: MESA Advisors receive support to expand and improve mathematics and science learning across the entire school.
- Parent Involvement: Parents are empowered to become effective advocates for their students and support their educational goals.
- Academic Planning: Individual Academic Plans help students know how to prepare for college and track their progress.
- Career and College Exploration: Special guest speakers and field trips to places such as UCSC Long Marine Lab and Seymour Discovery Center and regional college campuses show students a wide variety of college and career opportunities.
- Summer Algebra Academy: The five-week Algebra Academy helps incoming ninth grade students improve their algebra skills and college readiness.
The UCSC MESA Schools program is funded by the University of California Office of the President and jointly sponsored by the UCSC Jack Baskin School of Engineering and the Educational Partnership Center.