Arizona MESA

MESA

Arizona MESA

MESA Day 2008

MESA Scholarship Information

MESA USA National Engineering Design Competition

Arizona MESA Cargo Bottle Rocket Curriculum

Background

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is a college-preparation program that strives to increase the number of ethnic minority, low-income, and first-generation college-bound students who are eligible to enter a degree program at a university. As members of MESA, students from middle and high schools throughout southern Arizona participate in hands-on activities related to math, engineering, and science and college-preparation workshops that help build strong academic skills and inform students about college and career opportunities. In addition, MESA provides individual academic guidance and student evaluation throughout the school year. MESA promotes a strong academic foundation in mathematics and science as the key to college admission and success. On this principle, activities associated with mathematics, engineering, and science are highlighted in order to increase students' familiarity with these areas.

Elements of MESA include:

Hands-on math, science, and engineering exploration
Development of academic strategies
College and career information
Promotion of life skills
Parent outreach and information
Role models from higher education and the business community
Special events including competitions, campus visits, and field trips

Founded in 1970 and launched in Arizona in 1983, MESA is one of the oldest and most successful programs to advance educationally disadvantaged students toward achievement in math and science. Over 60 schools in Arizona participate in MESA.

Did you know that:
MESA programs work with students in grades 6 through 12.
83% of the MESA membership is comprised of minority students.
55% of MESA students are female .
90% of MESA seniors are admitted to colleges and universities in Arizona and across the U.S.
Over 60% of MESA seniors who are admitted to college enroll in science and engineering programs.
MESA currently serves 19 school districts in Arizona and continues to grow; 21 schools have been added in the past two years.

MESA USA Web site