Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)
Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA)
The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program at the College of Alameda supports students pursuing calculus-based majors in STEM as they prepare to transfer to four-year universities and succeed in competitive academic and professional environments.
As a MESA student, you’ll join a supportive community of scholars committed to academic excellence and career success in fields such as engineering, computer science, biology, physics, and mathematics. MESA provides access to dedicated study space, academic excellence workshops, tutoring, transfer and career advising, and opportunities to connect with universities, internships, and industry professionals. Whether you're preparing for transfer or exploring STEM career pathways, MESA is here to help you build the skills, confidence, and network needed to achieve your educational and professional goals.
Benefits of joining MESA
- Priority Registration
- Access to MESA Counselors for 1:1 Academic Counseling
- Tutoring help in Calculus, Chemistry and Physics
- Access to our MESA Center & a Supportive Peer Community
- Invites to Academic workshops, Transfer workshops, and MESA Lunch and Learns sessions
- Campus visits to four-year universities
- Regional and national conference trips
- STEM related events
- Local Industry visits
Eligibility
To be eligible for MESA, you must:
- Be a STEM major
- Intend to transfer to a 4-year university
- Demonstrate an academic or economic need, like being eligible for FAFSA/ DREAM ACT, and be the first in your family to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
Contact Information
MESA Connect Project
The MESA Connect Project is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded program in collaboration with CSU East Bay (CSUEB) at College of Alameda (CoA). Our mission is to improve educational outcomes in STEM for historically excluded populations at College of Alameda.
Overview
The MESA Connect Project is a NSF Pilot project in collaboration with CSUEB (2021-2024). Mesa Connect Project has four main objectives:
- Creation of a STEM focused Summer Bridge course at CoA: Design and Implement Pilot Summer Bridge Course “STEM Discovery Course”
- Improve STEM Teaching and Learning at CoA: Design MESA Connect first year learning community
- Increase STEM Opportunities for CoA Students: Increase STEM course success by offering wrap around services for MESA Connect Students such as peer mentoring, tutoring, MESA Counseling
- Professional Development: Professional Development to build Institutional Capacity: 25 CoA Faculty complete STEM, CURE, and/ or Cultural Competency PD.
STEM Discovery Summer Bridge Course
STEM Discovery Course is a Summer Bridge course aimed at engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This six week course is designed to explore STEM majors and careers. Over the six weeks, students gain insight into STEM related educational opportunities. Guest speakers who are experts in the field speak to the class, students explore hands-on science, receive mentorship from STEM CoA Professors, reflect on college and career paths, and more.
MESA Connect Grant Outcomes
The MESA Connect Project at College of Alameda is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and aims to increase the enrollment of Latinx students in STEM programs and increase their rates of success and retention in STEM courses, leading to increased persistence, graduation, and transfer on STEM degree pathways. Students will establish bonds with STEM faculty, California State University East Bay (CSUEB) near-peer mentors, the MESA director and counselors, and the ACCESO (Adelante con Comunidad, Excelencia, Sabiduría y Oportunidad) Center director and counselors, and peers in MESA Connect. MESA Connect will excite students about applied STEM learning and research through Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) that will be woven into their fall semester courses. In collaboration with CSUEB, we deliver comprehensive student support services, including:
- academic tutoring
- professional and near peer mentoring
- faculty advising
- transfer support services
- campus resources for health and financial aid
Meet the MESA Connect Team & Partners
Project Staff
Reza Majlesi
Dean of STEM
MESA Connect
Principal Investigator
Leslie Reiman
Anatomy Professor
MESA Connect Co-Principal Investigator
Monika Sommerhalder
CSUEB Faculty Mentor
SubAward Co-Principal Investigator
Alex Madonik
Chemistry Professor
Connnie Wehenmeyer
Biology Lab Coordinator
Biology Professor
Christine Trowbridge
MESA Connect Project Manager
Yamini Bhatnagar
STEM Discovery Lead Professor
Maria Somma
Chemistry Professor
Student Leaders
Melissa Zibouche
CoA MESA Ambassador
Perla Castillo
MESA Ambassador
Yvonne Hernandez
MESA Ambassador
Giulia Vukazich
MESA Chemistry Tutor
Project Partners
- MESA College SubAward Partner:
- Cal State East Bay
MESA College District Partners:
- Alameda Unified School District (AUSD)
- Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)
MESA Connect Project Partners:
- CCURI (Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative)
- SESI (STEM Equity and Success Initiative)
- HACU (Hispanic Association of College and Universities)
- MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement)
- SHPE (Hispanic Professional Engineers)
- SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science)
Contact
