The MESA program is designed to prepare, motivate, and provide ethnic minority/underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students the necessary support systems and skills in math and science to ensure successful participation and graduation from a college/university. We partner with teachers, school districts, universities/colleges, administrators and industry representatives to provide a proven academic enrichment program for K-12 students around the state. To accomplish this objective, the program has minimum requirements that incorporate:
- Student Involvement
- Parental/Guardian Support
- Science, Technology, Math and Engineering (STEM) Based Project Activities
- Industry Involvement/Presenters
- Field Trips to College/University Campuses and Business/Industry/Government Institutions
- MESA Day Design Challenges
- Advisor (teacher) Professional Development Training
- Career and College Exploration including Scholarship Opportunities
- Summer Enrichment Camps
- University Mentors
Components
There are six basic components to the MESA program, all designed to increase student commitment to careers in mathematics, science, engineering and related fields.
- High School Academic Counseling
Academic counseling is required for MESA students in the selection of their high school course work. Advisors review each MESA students’ individual curriculum choices to assure that the selected courses will provide them the required four years of college preparatory Math, English, and Science. Advisors ensure that students understand that attaining a high level of academic performance (B grade or above) will enhance their chances for admission to a college/university and make them more competitive for scholarships.
- College and Career Counseling
College pre-counseling for MESA students begins in their freshman year of high school. An excellent way to begin the process is to invite a university admissions counselor as guest speaker to outline college entrance requirements, emphasizing increased requirements to be accepted into engineering and related colleges. You should provide special counseling for college entrance preparation and guidance in career selection. This is in addition to the counseling normally provided by the schools. You should meet with all MESA students at least two (2) times per year for a group discussion with local college/university counselors, admission and financial aid officers. Information covered should include academic requirements, entrance testing standards, financial aid application, and submission dates/forms. In addition, you should meet with MESA students on a personal, one-on-one basis in order to understand and provide support and guidance for individual needs and goals.
As advisors, you should ensure the students have the opportunity for a college/university visit (parent/guardian participation is encouraged). Schedule at least three (3) meetings per semester and ensure a local professional minority engineer/scientist/manager is available to speak about his/her career and to answer student questions (parent/guardian invitations are encouraged). Please seek assistance, if needed, from the MESA District Director or the Statewide MESA Office. We also plan to include additional information on speakers on the MESA web site at www.cmesa.org.
- Academic Tutorials
Many students do not have the necessary background and academic experiences necessary to cope with advanced core courses. As advisors, you can help develop weekly tutoring programs to assist MESA students in acquiring the needed math, science, and English skills. Tutoring sessions can be scheduled at convenient times throughout the school day and/or after school. Tutoring can be provided by: advanced MESA students, college/university mentors, professional engineers/scientists, and community volunteers.
- Field Trips
Advisor provide actual contact with individuals working in engineering, mathematics, and science related fields through field trips to research centers, universities, and engineering companies. This direct contact should give the students an awareness of the kinds of professions they may choose to enter and an opportunity to talk directly with successful role model minority engineers, scientists and managers in their work environments. Here again your District Director or State MESA Office may offer assistance.
- University Mentor Program
Our university mentor program provides an opportunity for MESA students and advisors to interact with mentors (university students, retired engineers and engineering professionals) in the field of mathematics, engineering, science and technology. Mentors provide leadership skills and serve as a role model for students, assist you with administering activities and developing projects for the local/statewide/national competitions.
Please note that university mentors are currently available in the Denver Metro. For areas outside the Denver Metro, please contact the MESA statewide office for more information.
- Summer Enrichment and Training Opportunities
Summer offers opportunities for further development of career option awareness as well as financial assistance for high school MESA students. You may contact local business and industry to conduct a "Job Fair" in their school or district. Local youth employment agencies should also participate and MESA advisors should ensure students complete a resume and are counseled on job interview techniques.
MESA students should be aware of special Summer Enrichment Programs provided by universities. Examples are "Frontiers of Science" at UNC, SUMMIT and Prep SUMMIT at the Colorado School of Mines, the Engineering Honors Program and "Success Institute" at CU-Boulder, and the "Making of an Engineer" at the University of Denver.