Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is hot topic these days. Everyone from President Obama to Grammy-winner will.i.am are investing in the future of STEM education. And for good reason. California currently has almost 900,000 STEM jobs and that is expected to increase to 1.1 million – or 19% — by 2018.

 

Yet, before STEM was a catchphrase, MESA was helping students earn those degrees. MESA is one of the most successful STEM programs in California and is the model for programs in more than a dozen states. For 44 years, MESA has provided academic support and preparation for tens of thousands of educationally disadvantaged students, equipping them to excel in SETM fields. MESA seeks to empower participants to achieve academic excellence, thereby increasing their chances for success in college, career and community life.

 

MESA provides a unique combination of enrichment activities, hands-on competitions, counseling, academic support, industry involvement and a supportive community environment to middle school, high school, community college and university students.

 

I ask you to join me in supporting the next generation of MESA graduates and, in turn, California’s technical workforce.

 

~ Dr. Oscar Porter, MESA Executive Director