What is MESA?

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is a nationally recognized academic development program that supports faculty in their efforts to increase participation, retention, and transfer of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees. Historically, MESA has demonstrated that student success in these areas is the direct result of a strong community of support; provided by participation in all aspects of the MESA program. The MESA pathway includes academic support, personal and professional development in a K-20 pathway model.

Community colleges have sought to discover methods to increase the accountability of higher education without negatively impacting the quality of their educational programs.  This search for greater efficacy has resulted in new and innovative approaches to student learning, as exemplified by the MESA Community College Program (MCCP), now active in nine MESA states. 

MESA administrative team supports faculty to identify, enroll, and connect eligible students with faculty experts who provide specific support services.

Who is MESA?

MESA is students!

Any first–generation, low–income, and/or historically underrepresented student pursuing a math–based STEM degree is eligible to join apply for the MESA program. 44% of students at Wenatchee Valley College in STEM degrees are from historically underrepresented minority groups and 58% are female identified. 

MESA is administration!

The MESA administrative team consists of the Program Director, Retention Coordinator, and Faculty Sponsor. Please let us know how we can support you!

MESA is you!

MESA is not a stand-alone program. Instead, it is designed to provide targeted support for faculty to improve student transfer outcomes in STEM fields. A key faculty-led support services are the academic excellence workshops (AEWs). These AEWs teach students how to successfully master complex technical ideas and principles using a collaborative, peer-facilitated approach with the help of faculty experts. You will help students to gain confidence by meeting every week to develop workshops based on a topic covered in class that students find challenging. Faculty can also work with students who are interested in independent projects.

What services are provided to students?

The MESA Community College Program (MCCP) provides academic support and preparation to help students  successfully transfer to four-year universities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) majors.

The main components of the MCCP include: 

• Academic Excellence Workshops. MESA students are scheduled in the same core math and science classes and taught how to successfully master complex technical ideas and principles through a collaborative, peer facilitated approach.

• STEM Orientation Course. First-year students learn skills to excel academically in college as math, science and engineering majors, and begin professional development toward technical careers.

• Assistance in the Transfer Process. MESA provides academic counseling, visits to four-year institutions, and workshops to assist students to transfer.

• Career Advising. Students are exposed to different math, engineering and science career options through contacts with industry mentors, field trips, job shadowing, career fairs and internship opportunities.

• Student Study Center. This dedicated, multipurpose center is the hub for study and special activities. For current hours and activities please see our Facebook page.

• Professional development. MESA can provide professional development and links with student and professional organizations. Through peer role models, mentors, guest speakers and tours of local industry and university partners, students learn about corporate culture, resume preparation and interview skills, and connect with opportunities for employment in industry. Through peer role models, mentors, guest speakers and tours of local industry and university partners, students learn about corporate culture, resume preparation and interview skills and connect with opportunities for employment in industry.

• Industry Advisory Board. Corporate representatives, including MESA alumni, participate on advisory boards at each center to provide strategic planning assistance, scholarships, summer internships, field trips and other resources. The board is a valuable connection between the students and companies that recognize MESA’s success in helping to develop the technical professionals they need.

How can you get involved?

Spread the word!

Students can only access MESA resources if they are officially enrolled in the program. Please encourage all eligible students to apply. Printed materials for your office and/or classroom are available from the MESA team. MESA also offers brief, in-class informational sessions to help students learn about the resources offered through MESA. Please contact us at MESA@wvc.edu to learn more!

Join us!

Faculty in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geology, and Engineering are valuable experts that support MESA students to become the STEM leaders of the future. Do you enjoy training students to become experts in their field? You can join MESA as a AEW Expert. Would you love to have students do independent projects? You can join MESA as a Research Expert.

MESA wants to help faculty connect more students with actually doing science! Contact us at MESA@wvc.edu if you have ideas that you want to see happen at WVC.