MESA is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization under the Colorado Minority Engineering Association (CMEA). Our Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program is designed to encourage minority and female students to prepare themselves for a college education and to major in mathematics, engineering or science.
The MESA program is a premier educational resource and experiential program, serving students in grades P-12. MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and at risk students who graduate from high school fully prepared for post secondary education in engineering, mathematics, science, computer science, business, and other math- and science-based fields. MESA programs provide the educational resources and experiences students need to be successful in these pursuits. To accomplish its goals, trained MESA advisors, usually math and science teachers, implement MESA after-school programs in their schools. The state MESA office and newly developed University MESA Centers provide professional development training and networking for advisors as well as hands-on, project-oriented curriculum and materials, university mentors and academic resources.
Hands-on activities, team building and mentoring help elementary school students build social and literacy skills and experience mathematics and science as interesting and engaging subjects. Current research indicates a positive correlation between science literacy in the elementary grades and overall literacy skills as measured by scores on the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). MESA’s methods of engaging elementary-level students support this developmental insight. MESA Works: Over the last decade, more than 90% of MESA high school graduates have enrolled in college. Over 80% of the 2007 MESA high school graduates indicated that they are enrolling in a math/science related major. Approximately 85% of MESA students are from families in the low-to-moderate income bracket. Over half are from ethnic groups underrepresented in math based careers.
STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) learning-based activities help MESA middle and high school students understand concepts introduced in the classroom while science and engineering professionals invited to speak as role models help them understand the importance education will play in their career choice.
Field trips to industry sites, colleges, universities, and engineering and science-related competitions excite students, sharpen their skills and increase MESA students’ awareness of career opportunities. The CSU-Ft. Collins MESA Center provides outreach to schools in northern Colorado and the CU MESA Center provides resources and support to a growing number of metro Denver schools and students.
MESA programming starts early, engaging elementary students in hands-on math and science that applies to the real world. MESA middle school and high school students stay on-track for college with rigorous classes, teachers who care, and role models and mentors who help them make valuable connections to colleges and careers.
MESA Mission
MESA's mission is to increase the numbers of economically disadvantaged and underrepresented students in colleges of engineering, mathematics and science based fields. The vision for Colorado MESA is grounded in our belief that all children deserve a bright future and that children's expectations and attitudes will grow and expand when teachers, advisors, parents and the community come together to create unique ways of learning and achieving. We envision our country increasing our strong edge in mathematics, engineering, science and technology in an integrated global economy and maintaining our global leadership.
