MESA Components
There are five basic components to the MESA program, all designed to increase student commitment to careers in mathematics, science, engineering and related fields.
- High School Curricula Counseling
Special counseling is required for MESA students in the selection of their high school course work. MESA advisors should review the individual student's curriculum choices to assure that the selected courses will provide them the required four years of college preparatory math, English, and science. Advisors should 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 or university and make them more competitive for scholarships.
- College and Career Counseling
The MESA advisor 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. The high school MESA advisor should meet with all MESA students at least two times per year for a group discussion with local college counselors or admissions officers. Information covered should include academic requirements, entrance testing standards, financial aid application, and submission dates/forms. MESA advisors should also 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.
The MESA advisor should ensure their students have the opportunity for a college or university visit (parent/guardian participation is encouraged). The MESA Advisor should schedule at least three 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). The advisor can seek assistance in this project from the MESA District Director or the State MESA Office. We also plan to include additional information on speakers on the MESA web site
- Academic Tutorials
Many students have not had the necessary background and curriculum experiences necessary to cope with advanced mathematics and science courses. The MESA advisor should 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 and university students, professional engineers/scientists, and community volunteers.
- Field Trips
The MESA advisor should 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.
- 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. MESA advisors 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.
