MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement)

Starting out in 1970 as a pre-college intervention program in California, the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program was founded to serve underrepresented and underserved students in engineering, physical science, and math-based fields. Their goal was to develop academic and leadership skills, raise educational expectations, and instill confidence in students historically underrepresented in STEM fields in order to increase the number of students graduating from a four-year university.

Today, MESA spans across the country, helping students successfully advance in their STEM educational journeys in four-year university programs and beyond. At West Valley College, the MESA program is dedicated to supporting educationally and economically disadvantaged students preparing to transfer to four-year colleges or universities.

• Declare a calculus based major in math, science, engineering, or related STEM field
• Intend to transfer to a 4-year college
• First-generation college student (parents do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher)
• Recipient of financial aid or BOG fee wavier
• U.S citizen, Permanent Resident, or AB 540/DACA

• A supportive and collaborative learning environment at the MESA Center
  • The North Walk Portables 4 & 5 are open Mondays through Fridays for MESA students to study, socialize, and learn together.
• Group and individual tutoring
  • MESA connects students with dedicated tutors in STEM.
• Dedicated faculty and staff
  • MESA consists of a dedicated Director,Office Coordinator, and two Counselors who are here to provide support.
• Transfer and career preparation
• STEM enrichment and student success workshops
• Connection to the industry
  • MESA students will have opportunities to meet with professionals across industries. Past partnerships have included Stanford University and Kaiser Permanente.
• Scholarship, internship, and research opportunities