Delivering California's Future STEM Workforce
MESA is a college and career prep engine that propels student achievement in science, technology, engineering and math.
What’s New?
California MESA Teams Sweep Nationals!
Congrats to the G.M. Walters Middle School and Middle College High School teams being named the 2025 MESA National Engineering Design Competition Champions! Both teams hail from the CSU East Bay MESA center! Learn about their award-winning (and life-changing) projects.
Who are We?
MESA serves students across the educational pathway through three complementary segments.
College Prep
MESA’s college prep program sparks early interest in STEM by bridging classroom concepts to real-world practice, and inspires youth on their STEM journey to higher education and their future success.
Community College
MESA’s community college level program produces a population of transfer-ready students to advance their STEM educational journeys in 4-year university programs.
University
MESA’s university-level program produces career-ready, candidates for corporate industry employment by providing the tools, resources and support they need to successfully earn STEM degrees.
MESA by the Numbers
Number of overall MESA students in California
MESA serves over 350 middle and high schools, 40 community colleges and 13 universities in California.
MESA students are more likely to be admitted to a UC (80% vs 67% for California students overall).
- 80%
- 67%
Top 5 Degrees of MESA Undergrad Students
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
About Us
A grassroots effort that began with 25 students at Oakland Technical High School in 1970 has flourished into an award-winning program that serves almost 25,000 middle school, high school, community college and university level students throughout California each year. MESA’s long history with industry and its vast network of alumni are key components to success.
What People Are Saying
At that early stage, MESA helped solidify my interest in pursuing an engineering degree.
The program changed the way I studied, learned, and supported those around me. I never imagined I could ever reach as high as I have.
I learned a love for hands on math and science from MESA. I saw a diverse group that made me feel included and I had fun! I credit it as one of the main things that helped steer me towards a STEM degree and career.
MESA has truly supported me in many ways and is a program that goes above and beyond in helping me to succeed. Thank you MESA!
Our Partners
Industry leaders partner with us to strengthen their workforce pipeline with top-notch talent.
Each partnership is tailored to benefit individual companies.
Newsroom
Gaining experience during extraordinary times
Although many industries, educational institutions and activities have been relegated to the virtual realm, many of our students still secured research postings and internships this summer. Every one of the students below is a first generation college student!...
Kudos to our students!
Each year MESA middle and high school student teams spend the better part of the school year designing, developing and building electronic devices that solve real-world problems. Competing in these hands-on contests help MESA students connect the math and science...
Put your entrepreneurial mind to work
Applications for this cohort closed on 6/9. Stay tuned for announcements on future classes!