The MESA program at ELAC enables educationally disadvantaged students to prepare for and graduate from a four-year college or university with a math-based degree in areas such as engineering, the sciences, computer science, and mathematics. Through MESA students develop academic and leadership skills, increase educational performance, and gain confidence in their ability to compete professionally. MESA has particular interest in and focuses on students from those groups who historically have had the lowest levels of attainment to four-year and graduate level programs. By closing this achievement gap, MESA students and graduates will be better able to make significant contributions to the socioeconomic well-being of their families and their communities.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
In order to apply to the MESA program, you MUST meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Be a U.S. Citizen, or resident
- Intend to transfer to a 4 year institution as a calculus- based STEM major
- Hold a current 2.8 minimum GPA
- Either have completed, or are enrolled in Math 125
** Must not already hold a Bachelor's degree
Academic Excellence Workshops - MESA students that have successfully taken select courses facilitate a group-learning experience in these workshops. Cooperative learning is encouraged, with a focus on developing academic study skills and mastery of concepts.
Advising Staff - A team of graduate students provide STEM academic advisement. Students are also advised in internship, scholarship, and other enrichment opportunities. The outcome is students are competitive applicants to four-year universities.
Facilitation of Research Opportunities - Through federal- and state-funded grants, students are given the opportunity to participate in research experiences at top universities with renowned researchers. This program has been instrumental in engaging students in STEM fields, and developing student interest in obtaining graduate and doctorate degrees.
Loan Program - On a semester basis, the MESA program loans out books, calculators and laptops in order to help with the burden of coming up with financial resources. Students must be in good academic standing and comply with MESA guidelines to receive this assistance.
Personal Statement and Resume Assistance - Because students are constantly encouraged to apply for scholarships and internships, having a personal statement and resume on hand is highly encouraged. Graduate students assist students through the process of completing these.
Collaboration with Student Organization - We work closely with the student-run organizations Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Priory of Biology and Chemistry (POBC), Physics Club, Math Club and Chicanos(as) for Creative Medicine (CCM). MESA facilitates field trips, outreach activities, and speaker presentations and state and national conferences/meetings through these affiliations.
MESA Library and Media Center - The MESA Library and Media Center is a current project in the making courtesy of Title IV Funding. Our library will have various resources including books, journals and interesting DVDs which students can view on our new television. Through this project we hope to engage students in STEM studies by presenting relevant topics in sustainable and renewable energy, bioengineering, biomedicine and biochemistry.
Professional development workshops - Students participate in job fairs, learn resume preparation and development in addition to interview skills including how to find part-time, full-time and summer employment.