MESA Schools Program (MSP)
The MSP assists students at middle and senior high schools (and some elementary schools) so they excel in math and science and become competitively eligible for academically rigorous colleges and universities. The MSP partners with teachers, administrators, school district officials, schools and industry representatives to provide quality academic enrichment . Student selection and services are implemented through a collaboration involving teachers at participating schools and personnel from local MESA centers.
The MSP offers:
- Individual Academic Plans. The plans help monitor individual student progress toward college..
- Study skills training. Students learn the most effective study techniques for academic achievement.
- MESA Day Academies. Hands-on math and science competitions give students a chance to meet like-minded students and vie for awards. Students follow MESA-developed curriculum that reinforce California state math and science content standards. Top winners of local competitions advance to regional and, in some instances, national contests.
- Career and college exploration. Guest speakers and field trips present various college and career options.
- Incentive awards. Outstanding student achievement and leadership is recognized.
- Parent leadership development. Parents learn how to become effective advocates for their children's academic success.
- MESA periods. These classes, held during regular hours in some schools, allow Advisors to work with students on academics and MESA activities. Some schools offer MESA periods while others schedule MESA actiities before or after school or at lunch.
- Teacher professional development opportunities. Institutes are offered for MESA Advisors featuring hands-on curriculum and new techniques to teach math and science. The institutes are geared especially for educators who work in schools with limited resources.
Most MSP centerss are housed at universities with ties to campus faculty members. MSP sites are located throughout California and serve hundreds of schools and school districts.
Industry representatives sit on MESA Advisory Boards, share career opportunities with students during classroom visits, offer field trips and help judge competitions.
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