Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)

MESA at Phoenix College


Explore MESA at Phoenix College

The MESA Program at PC provides resources and support to students who want to transfer to four‐year colleges or universities to pursue degrees in the STEM disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

We're part of a nationally recognized academic support program designed to meet current, future, and global workforce demands in these fields.

Why Join MESA?

MESA Scholars receive services that promote their development into competitive STEM transfer students.  On average, scholars:

  • Earn higher GPAs when compared to other calculus-based STEM students (3.1 vs. 2.76)*

  • 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.

     

MESA Supports Student Success

MESA Scholars receive Student Professional & Career Development, including: mentorship, access to guest speakers, and tours of local industry and university partners. Scholars receive introductions to corporate culture, and assistance preparing for the interview process.

Participants utilize the Phoenix College MESA Center, a community hub for study, tutoring, workshops, presentations, industry recruiters and more.  Students have access to computers, STEM textbooks, and academic supplies.  The Center is located in Room A235, and is open 8 am - 6 pm, Monday to Thursday; 8 am - 4 pm, on Fridays.

Scholars enjoy Academic Advising, Transfer Assistance, and Counseling through a dedicated MESA staff.  The team supports them through educational goal planning, identifying career goals, and planning for the transfer process.  Workshops and campus visits encourage the exploration of careers and academic majors. Personal advising sessions assist students through transitional, non-academic challenges.

To support achievement, Academic Excellence Workshops, or AEWs, help students master complex technical ideas through a collaborative, peer-facilitated approach.

The STEM Success Orientation Course, especially for first-year students, is designed to engage scholars in principles that will help them excel academically, and launch their preparation for a career in one of the STEM fields.


Required Application

Applications are accepted throughout the fall and spring semesters. For help completing or accessing the application, please email pcmesaprogram@phoenixcollege.edu.  

Entry into the program requires orientation. If accepted, MESA staff will connect with you with the orientation date, as well as details about the MESA Orientation.

 Apply Today  

 

Details

Applicants should intend to transfer to a four-year institution, and plan to earn a calculus-based STEM degree.  If you're expected to take calculus at some point in your studies, you are pursuing a calculus-based STEM degree.  Examples include: Engineering, Computer Science/Computer Engineering, Mathematics/Physics, Pre-Medical, Pharmacy, Optometry, Botany, Biology, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences.

Students should also be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at Phoenix College.  In addition to meeting the academic criteria, a potential MESA Scholar student may meet a variety of the following listed below:

  • First Generation College Student, defined has having parent(s) who haven't 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.)
  • U.S. citizens, resident aliens, permanent residents, DACA approved/eligible, and undocumented students encouraged to apply.

Yes, you can join MESA if you are part of another student support program.  Examples include ACE, Hoop of Learning, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Phoenix College Honors Program.