Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)

Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)

About MESA 

Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program at PC provides resources and extra support to students who want to transfer to four‐year colleges or universities to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) based degrees.

PC's MESA Program is part of a nationally recognized academic support program to meet current, future, and global workforce demands in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Specifically, the goal of MESA is to increase the number of historically underrepresented (African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic, or Pacific Islander/Hawaiian) community college students who are prepared to successfully transfer to 4-year colleges or universities in pursuit of STEM related degrees, and ultimately careers. Undocumented students are welcome to apply.

Why join MESA?

  • MESA Scholars on average have higher GPAs (3.1) when compared to other calculus based STEM students (2.76).*
  • MESA Scholars are more likely to persist, transfer to a university, and earn a STEM-related bachelor’s degree than other under-represented students pursuing STEM studies.
  • Over 15+ MESA Program services to help you develop into a competitive STEM transfer student and reach your goals.

 MESA supports students by providing:

Student Professional/Career Development: 

  • Mentors, guest speakers and tours of local industry and university partners
  • Learn about corporate culture, resume preparation & interview skills, and connect with opportunities for employment in industry

Student Study Center: 

  • MESA Center is your community hub for study, tutoring, workshops, presentations, industry recruiters and activities
  • Access to computers, STEM textbooks, and academic supplies
  • PC MESA Center located in A235
  • Fall & Spring hours: 8am -6pm Monday to Thursday, 8am - 4pm Friday

 
Academic Advising, Transfer Assistance, and Counseling: 

  • Dedicated MESA staff to support students with educational planning, career goals and transfer
  • Workshops and campus visits to explore majors and careers
  • Personal advising to assist with transitional, non-academic challenges

 
Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs): 

  • Successfully master complex technical ideas and principles through a collaborative, peer-facilitated approach

 
STEM Success Orientation Course: 

  • First-year students learn skills to excel academically in college
  • Begin professional development toward STEM careers


Who is eligible for MESA?

Academic Criteria:

  • Intend to transfer to a four year institution to earn a calculus-based STEM degree (If you are expected to take calculus at some point in your studies you are pursuing a calculus-based STEM degree.)  
    • Some examples of majors that are considered “STEM degrees” are Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering, Mathematics/Physics, Pre-Medical, Pharmacy, Optometry etc., Life Sciences – Botany, Biology, Zoology, etc. Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences.
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at PC.

In addition to meeting the academic criteria, a potential MESA Scholar student may meet a variety of the following requirements listed below.

  • First Generation College Student (parent(s) did not receive a four year bachelor's degree)
  • Traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latine, Native American/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 
  • Identify as a female
  • Identify as a part of the LQBTQ+ community
  • Students at an economic disadvantage (i.e. low-income, homeless, foster, etc.)
  • US citizens, resident aliens, permanent residents, DACA approved/eligible, and undocumented students encouraged to apply.


Required Application Materials:

For help completing or accessing the application or any other assistance, please contact pcmesaprogram@phoenixcollege.edu. 

Deadline:

Applications are accepted throughout the semesters. Entry into the program requires orientation. The next orientation will be on Friday, August 23. If accepted, MESA staff will connect with you on your details about the MESA Orientation.

Can I join MESA if I am in another student support program?

Yes, you can join MESA if you are part of another student support program, such as ACE, Hoop of Learning, Phi Theta Kappa, PC Honors, etc.