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About MESA

Established in 1970, the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program is one of the country's oldest and most successful programs to assist educationally disadvantaged students attain degrees in math, engineering and science from four-year institutions. MESA, part of the University of California, operates four programs that provide services to students at pre-college, community college and university levels. MESA is the model for programs established in seven other states.

What is the MESA CCCP?

The MESA California Community College Program (MESA CCCP) is an academic program that supports educationally disadvantaged community college student to excel in math, engineering and science so they can transfer to four-year institutions as majors in these fields. MESA CCCP Centers are located on community college campuses throughout the state. The program is a collaboration between MESA and the California Community College Chancellors Office.

Of MESA CCCP students who transfer to four-year institutions, 100% choose to major in math-based fields. One year later, a full 90% of these students are still math-based majors.

What are the components of the MESA CCCP?

MESA CCCP is based on a rigorous academic program that uses various components to support students majoring in math, engineering and science. The program components help build an academically-based peer community to provide mutual student and motivation. This community of learners is what sets MESA CCCP apart from other programs.

The main components of the MESA CCCP include:

  • Student Study Center, located in V 103, is a dedicated multipurpose space for study, workshops and information sharing.
  • Academic Excellence Workshops where students are scheduled in the same core math and science classes and taught how to maintain high academic outcomes through group study.
  • Orientation courses that teaches college survival skills to incoming students majoring in math, engineering and science.
  • Assistance in the transfer process including field trips to universities, work shops on applications and counseling.
  • Career advising to introduce work options to students. Field trips, job fair information, job shadowing exercises, and industry mentors are available to students.
  • Links with student and professional organizations which provide mentors, guest speakers and offer industry tours.
  • Professional development workshops that include mock job fairs, resume preparation, interview skills, how to find part-time, full-time and summer employment.
  • Industry Advisory Board, a valuable connection between students and the industry leaders who may later hire them. The board provides scholarships, strategic planning, special summer internships, field trips and other resources.