Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)
College Preparation for Middle and High School Students
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 participants in MESA, students from middle and high schools participate in hands-on activities related to math, engineering, and science in addition to 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. MESA believes that with the right support, underserved students who are willing to work hard can do well in secondary education and become successful college graduates. MESA offers a vision of success to its young scholars. MESA assumes that its students have a place in college and works to explain to student participants and their parents why college is important, how the admissions process works, and what is necessary to be on a college bound track in middle and high school.
MESA provides community partnership, believing that close partnerships and mentoring relationships with educators, industry representatives, parents and peers will give students the support they need to excel.
Elements of MESA include:
- Hand-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
Metrics of MESA programs from around the country show that the program is uniquely successful in increasing college-going rates by underrepresented student populations. Nevada’s demographics and exceptionally low college-going rate, 49th out of 50 states, make this program critical for our middle and high schools. The formula for MESA, established in 1979, is a proven success.
If you would like more information please email or call Miranda Holback, MESA Coordinator: mholback@unr.edu or (775) 682-7741.