MESA

Engage, Educate, Empower

The City College MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program is the best academic support and transfer program for students in Math, Engineering and Science majors. The secret is "culture"!  The MESA program has a culture of success, with a language of success.  More than a program or community, MESA is family, with shared beliefs, practices, and behaviors designed for student success - and the students are the best part of the MESA family! MESA students are Creators - master fighters!  They take responsibility for their learning and achieve success.

Do YOU have what it takes to be a MESA Creator?

The MESA Program has high expectations for MESA students.  MESA does not question a student's potential.  All students have great potential.  Instead, MESA has two questions for any student wishing to be a part of the MESA culture:

1 - How committed are YOU to achieving YOUR goals?
2 - How strong is YOUR "foundation for learning"?

 

Commitment - VicTim or Creator?

When faced with a choice, do YOU choose the role of Victim or Creator? Victims typically blame, complain and make excuses. Creators take responsibility, commit to their goals and seek solutions. Victims are NOT accepted into the MESA Program. MESA students are Creators!

Learn more, see Victim/Creator handout (PDF).


MESA Foundation for Learning

To build a house, you must begin with a strong foundation.  The same is true for learning: student success begins with a strong foundation for learning.  Every student has a foundation for learning, but not every student has a strong foundation.  This is what MESA does best - help students to strengthen their foundation.

As the cornerstone of the MESA culture, the MESA Foundation for Learning identifies what students need in their “foundation” to be successful learners, including:

 
  • an awareness of what is needed for college readiness and success,
  • an understanding and use of successful approaches, strategies, plans and personal strengths,
  • and support and tools for success.

All new MESA students are first trained on the MESA Foundation for Learning.

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MESA Model

The MESA model consists of three key elements:

     1 – Foundation for Learning
     2 – Activities for Academic, Professional and Personal Development
     3 – MESA Program “Capstone”

The MESA “Capstone” identifies the purpose for the learning: it guides all MESA Creators on their journey in life.  The Capstone has four qualities that all MESA Creators aspire to achieve:

  • Skills
  • Knowledge
  • Wisdom
  • FREEDOM!
With FREEDOM as the ultimate goal, nothing can stop MESA Creators from being successful. 

Learn more, see the MESA Capstone handout (PDF)



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Eligibility

Choose to be a MESA Creator!  Join the MESA Program and find your success.  You owe it to yourself.

Academic Eligibility - Students must be ready for or enrolled in at least intermediate algebra (Math 96) AND must intend to transfer to a four-year institution in a math-based major, i.e. biology, chemistry, engineering, math, physics, etc. (Note: Students who are current university students or have previously earned a Bachelors Degree in any major are not eligible for the MESA Program).

Economic Eligibility - Students must be eligible for one or more of the following:*

  • Board of Governor’s Waiver (BOGW)
  • EOPS
  • CalWORKs/TANF (formerly AFDC)
  • Need-based financial aid.
  • TRIO program
  • Gain

* Note: Other economic eligibility qualifications may apply

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Informational MESA Handouts

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Application Process

Complete a MESA Program application, and attach the following:

  • Copy of your current class schedule (there is no GPA requirement)
  • Print-out indicating that you have a BOG waiver or other financial aid

New applications are accepted at the start of each semester, and they are due by the following dates:

  • Fall: 3rd Friday in September
  • Spring: 3rd Friday in February

Applications are available in the MESA Center - Room L-115 in the City College Academic Success Center (Building L).  

MESA Center hours: 

  • Monday-Thursday: 8 am - 6 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 1 pm

For more information, please visit the MESA Center or call (619) 388-3156.

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