About Us

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) helps thousands of educationally disadvantaged students to become engineers, scientists and other math-based professionals urgently needed by industry.

MESA provides a unique combination of enrichment activities, hands-on competitions, academic support, industry involvement and a supportive community environment. MESA is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

MESA serves middle school, high school, community college and university level students through local centers throughout California. Since its inception in 1970, MESA has had a strong partnership with industry. MESA also partners with all segments of California higher education as well as K-12 institutions. California MESA’s model has been replicated in 12 other states, and is the basis for many other programs. 

Who MESA serves

Most MESA students are the first in their families to attend college. Most are low-income and attend (or have attended) low-performing school with few resources. MESA serves students in pre-college through the MESA Schools Program (MSP), community college students through the MESA Community College Program (MCCP), and four-year college level students in the MESA Engineering Program (MEP).

How MESA works

MESA students succeed with:

• Academic support based on high standards
• Individual counseling to ensure college prerequisites and transfer/college graduation requirements are met
• Industry involvement in activities and strategic planning
• Reinforcement of California math and science standards through hands-on projects and group learning
• Supportive student communities based on academic success
• Professional development for math and science teachers in low-performing schools
• Networks of parents, educators, industry leaders and community resources to support students