If you have questions about MESA eligibility or services, please reach out to the MESA Director, Dr. Lorena Navarro, via email at lnavarro@yccd.edu or 530-661-5791.

About MESA at WCC

The MESA Community College Program (MCCP) is an academic preparation program that assists California community colleges’ educationally disadvantaged students to succeed in math, science, and engineering so they can transfer to four-year colleges or universities and attain four-year degrees in math, engineering, and science fields. This support is especially crucial to students who come from low-performing high schools.

Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program. Since 1970, MESA has helped students become scientists, engineers and mathematicians, filling an urgent need for qualified technical professionals. The MESA program has served students by providing support such as classes, hands-on competitions, counseling, transfer support, and a community environment to students from middle school through four-year college.

KIDS

Main components of the MESA model include:

  • Student study center. This dedicated multipurpose space is the hub for study, workshops, special activities and information sharing. It is a key element in building a close learning community.
  • Orientation course. New students learn skills to excel as math, science and engineering majors.
  • Academic excellence workshops. 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 approach.
  • Academic advising/counseling. Students receive individualized academic guidance and develop multi-year plans so they can take courses in the most effective sequence and transfer in a timely manner.
  • Assistance in the transfer process. MESA provides counseling, workshops, and visits to four-year universities.
  • Career advising. Students are exposed to various math, engineering and science career options through industry mentors, field trips, job shadowing, career fairs and internship opportunities.
  • Links with student and professional organizations. These resources provide mentors, guest speakers, and tours of companies.
  • Professional development. Through workshops and mock job fairs, students learn about corporate culture, improve their resume writing and interviewing skills, and are offered opportunities for part-time, full-time, and summer employment related to their majors.
  • Industry Advisory Board. Corporate representatives, including MESA alumni, participate on advisory boards at centers 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.

For more information about the California Statewide MESA Program, visit the California MESA website.