Mathematics, Engineering, Science
Achievement (MESA)
Rev 7/14
The workforce crisis
In California:
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An estimated 3 million college-educated workers will
retire between 2005 and 2025.

The state recently awarded 40% fewer degrees in
science and engineering than the national average.

Over 75% of science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) job openings through 2016 will require
postsecondary education. 50% of these STEM jobs will
require bachelor’s degrees.
Science and math education:
A grave challenge
California ranks
 45th among all states in students
taking advanced math & science courses
 48th for eighth grade proficiency in math
 Last for fourth grade science proficiency (tied
with Mississippi, Arizona and Hawaii)
Why California needs MESA:
MESA works!
Percentage of MESA vs. all California public high school grads
who went to college immediately after graduation
76
MESA
California
41
53% of MESA pre-college students go to a four-year institutions as
science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) majors.
Stats for 11-12
Why California needs MESA:
MESA works!
Top majors of MESA community college students who transferred
to four-year colleges & universities.
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Engineering
Life science
Mathematics
Biochemistry
Computer science
97% of MESA community college students transferred to four-year
institutions as science, engineering or math majors.
Stats for 11-12
Why California needs MESA:
MESA works!

Top five campuses
of MCCP transfers
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UC Irvine
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Los Angeles
UC San Diego
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Top five campuses
of MSP grads
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UC Davis
UC Berkeley
Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo
UC Santa Cruz &
UCLA (tie)
San Jose State
University
Stats for 11-12
Why California needs MESA:
MESA works!

Top five majors of MESA
university graduates
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Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Construction Science
Computer Engineering
Stats for 11-12
Why California needs MESA:
MESA works!

California MESA has been replicated in 14
states.

Nearly 100 companies work with MESA
because of its outstanding track record.
“After 40 years, MESA remains a model on how to ‘get it right’ for
students in the fields of mathematics, engineering and science.“
Tom Torlakson
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
“MESA consistently provides us with outstanding workforce
candidates.”
Joseph Rivera, Director, Gas Engineering
Southern California Gas Company , retired
“We support MESA’s ability to ensure the success of students from
underserved communities as they pursue paths in STEM.”
William H. Harper III
Vice President and
Chief Diversity Officer
PG&E, retired
Mission Statement
MESA enables educationally disadvantaged students to prepare
for and graduate from a four-year college or university with a
math-based degree in areas such as engineering, the sciences,
computer science, and mathematics.
Through MESA, students develop academic and leadership
skills, increase educational performance, and gain confidence in
their ability to compete professionally. MESA has particular
interest in and focus on students from those groups who
historically have had the lowest levels of attainment to four-year
and graduate level programs.
Vision Statement
To support 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.
Who MESA Serves (2011-2012)
Total students served: 28,192

Pre-college: 20,299

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Community college: 4,707

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393 elementary, middle and high schools
Centers at 13 university sites
Centers at 36 California community
colleges
University: 3,186

Centers at 9 CSU, 3 UC campuses, 1
Independent university
Stats for 11-12
Who MESA serves (2011-2012)
American
Indian
1%
Other
5%
White
11%
Asian
Pacific
American
19%
African
American
8%
Latino
56%
MESA Programs

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MESA Schools
Program
MESA Community
College Program
MESA Engineering
Program
MESA Schools Program
(MSP)
MSP serves precollege students
throughout the state
so they will excel in
math and science
and go on to college
in math-based
majors.
MSP Components

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Individual Academic
Plans
MESA periods
Study skills training
Career and college
exploration
MSP Components (continued)

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MESA Day
Academies
Parent leadership
development
Teacher training
opportunities
MESA Community College
Program (MCCP)
MESA, in partnership with
the California Community
Colleges Chancellor’s Office,
provides math, engineering
and science academic
enrichment to community
college students so they
excel academically and
transfer to four-year
institutions as math-based
majors.
MCCP Components

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Academic
Excellence
Workshops
Orientation course
Assistance in the
transfer process
Career advising
MCCP Components (continued)

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Links with student
and professional
organizations
Student Study
Center
Professional
development
workshops
Industry Advisory
Board
MESA Engineering
Program (MEP)
MEP supports university
students majoring in
engineering or computer
science so they will
successfully attain their
baccalaureates.
MEP Components

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Academic
Excellence
Workshops
Clustering
Orientation course
Career advising
MEP Components (continued)

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Links with student
and professional
organizations
Professional
development
workshops
Industry Advisory
Board
Student Study
Center and
computer lab
MESA Works!
For more information:
http://mesa.ucop.edu