Fall 2023

View the full PDF version of the Fall 2023 newsletter here!
MESA Bytes card

Program Highlights

Fall 2023 marked the inauguration of the State-funded MESA program at West Valley College! The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program supports first generation, under-represented students in a calculus-based STEM field who seek to transfer to a four-year institution.

To join the MESA cohort, students must meet a series of eligibility criteria:

  • Studying a calculus-based major in STEM field
  • Intend to transfer to 4-year college
  • Be first generation college student
  • Demonstrate financial need (CA Promise Grant, Pell Grant)
  • Working on their first bachelor’s
  • A U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident, or AB540
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WVC MESA Program Overview

Here’s an overview of all the MESA activities from the last five months!

Prepared a welcoming physical space

Hired key personnel
Developed student enrichment programs

Built relationships across campus partners
Established administrative processes

 

Space & Personnel Update

  • Refurbished NWP 4 & 5 portables (work is ongoing) to become a dedicated, welcoming space for the program. This wouldn't have been possible without the strong support of our facilities team. Kudos to them!
  • Hired a Program Director.
  • Hired a dedicated, part-time MESA Counselor.
MESA Students' Activities/Programs Update
  • MESA is 34 students strong!
  • Offered one Academic Excellence Workshop (study sessions) in Fall 2023 to a calculus class (Math 3A).
Two people standing in front of a white board.

  • 3 students attended the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference held in October 2023.
  • 3 pre-med students are participating in the Medical Pathways Scholars Mentorship Program in partnership with Kaiser. This is a multi-year mentorship program that guides pre-med students from college to university to med school. The program is created and led by a former MESA student.
  • 3 MESA students attended the UC Davis Pre-Health Conference in October 2023.
  • 5 MESA & 10 WVC STEM students participated in Brunch with Biotech held in November 2023 in partnership with: International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), WVC and MC’s STEM Divisions, and WVC and MC’s MESA Centers.
  • 2 MESA students attended the Stanford Pre-health SUMMA Conference in February 2024.
A group of people sitting at desks in front of two large projector screens

  • 7 students will attend the Silicon Valley Women in Engineering Conference held at SJSU in March 2024.
  • 3 students will participate in the MESA Statewide Leadership Conference on April 5-7.
  • AEW’s are offered for Biology and Math Spring 2024 so far with more to come!

 

Community Outreach

Community outreach is a cornerstone of the state-wide MESA grant, and to that end, the MESA team has been active in supporting the college’s high school outreach efforts. Director and Counselor participated in at least 5 different outreach events to local high schools that included: Los Gatos High School, Piedmont Hills High School, Andrew Hill High School, Lincoln High school, and Branham High School. We are also partnering with other MESA Centers at local universities to offer tours of our STEM facilities.

A group of people wearing backpacks.
Two people standing in front of a MESA banner.

 

We were so honored and privileged to have an alumna of West Valley College, and a great advocate of the MESA program, visit our center in February. Mary Ann Carr spent most of her career tirelessly advocating at local and state levels to bring the program to colleges and universities, and in connecting industries to MESA. She began her career at IBM, one of the earliest industry partners to the MESA program, and was instrumental in developing and building MESA programs throughout the state and in Arizona. We are thrilled to have Mary Ann be a regular member of our community.

Last Updated 7/24/24