Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)

To be covered in this presentation: Industry’s workforce crisis Science and math education in California: a grave challenge Why California needs MESA The MESA program Latest MESA data

Industry’s workforce crisis In 2001, some 14,000 California jobs requiring science or engineering degrees went unfilled. Fewer than 20,000 science and engineering graduates are produced annually in our state. To fill state vacancies, California must increase the number of these graduates by 70%. Jobs that require science, engineering and technical training will increase 51% nationally. This means 6 million potential job openings.

Science and math education: A grave challenge California ranks 49 th among all states in students taking advanced science courses 48 th for eighth grade proficiency in science 35 th for high school students taking advanced math courses

Why California needs MESA MESA works! While over 70% of MESA schools are among the lowest performing in the state, 67% of MESA pre- college students go on to college right after graduation, compared to 44% of all California students. 36% of MESA’s African American, Latino American and American Indian high school seniors are eligible to attend UC, compared to the state rate of 6%.

Why California needs MESA (continued) 99% of MESA community college students transfer to four-year institutions as science, engineering or math majors. California MESA has been replicated in 14 states. Nearly 100 companies work with MESA because of its outstanding track record.

“MESA is highly effective in training a diverse workforce in the technical skills that we need.” Edward A. Taylor, Google “MESA produces quality engineers and scientists that are urgently needed in a technology-based company like Chevron.” Brenda Mize, Chevron “ MESA brings along students who are able to stay abreast of fast- paced technological changes.” Yno Gonzalez, AT&T MESA Works!

Mission Statement MESA 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 focus 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.

Vision Statement To support the national science and mathematics educational agenda by ensuring that all MESA students are mathematically and scientifically literate so that they can play a leadership role in an increasingly technological world.

MESA Programs MESA Schools Program MESA Community College Program MESA Engineering Program

MESA Schools Program (MSP) MSP serves pre- college students throughout the state so they will excel in math and science and go on to college in math- based majors.

MSP Components Individual Academic Plans MESA periods Study skills training Career and college exploration

MSP Components (continued) MESA Day Academies Parent leadership development Teacher training opportunities

MESA Community College Program (MCCP) MESA, in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, provides math, engineering and science academic enrichment to community college students so they excel academically and transfer to four-year institutions as math-based majors.

MCCP Components Academic Excellence Workshops Orientation course Assistance in the transfer process Career advising

MCCP Components (continued) Links with student and professional organizations Student Study Center Professional development workshops Industry Advisory Board

MESA Engineering Program (MEP) MEP supports university students majoring in engineering or computer science so they will successfully attain their baccalaureates.

MEP Components Academic Excellence Workshops Clustering Orientation course Career advising

MEP Components (continued) Links with student and professional organizations Professional development workshops Industry Advisory Board Student Study Center and computer lab

Who MESA Serves ( ) Total students served: 20,050 MSP: 14, elementary, middle and high schools 84 school districts. MCCP: 3, California community colleges MEP: 2,500 8 CSU, 2 UC

MESA Schools Program (cont.)

MESA Works! For more information:

COS MESA Community College Program MCCP Components (review) Academic Excellence Workshops Orientation course Assistance in the transfer process Career advising Links with student and professional organizations Student Study Center Professional development workshops Industry Advisory Board

Assistance With The Transfer Process Field trip to UC Davis (October 20) Reviewing application packets and providing suggestion/corrections Helping students to develop transfer application essays CSU and UC information center

Career Advising Sharon Black (COS College Counselor) Provides Academic Advising Reviews Student Transfer Application Packets

Links with Professional Organizations Field Trip to Visalia Waste Water Treatment Plant MESA Students at SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science)

MESA Study Center Mon. – Thur. 8:00am – 3:30pm Friday 9:00am – 12:0pm 6 Student Tutors Dry Erase Boards Computers

Status of the COS MESA Program Currently we are an approved MESA CCP un-endowed program MESA Statewide has funding for two additional MCCP programs for academic year Working on RFP for the academic year

How can you help build and sustain COS MESA? Share the program with math, science and engineering majors Show students where the center is located (Sequoia RM 5) Referrals! Please refer any potential students to the MESA staff