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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.

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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:

  1. Be a STEM major
  2. Intend to transfer to a 4-year university
  3. 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


860 Atlantic Ave. Alameda, CA 94501, Room 125
 


Ann Gonzalez
MESA Director
ann.gonzalez@peralta.edu

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