About
MESA offers the MESA College Prep Program, the MESA Community College Program, and the MESA University Program. It also offers MESASpace Virtual Skills Sessions, the MESA Mentor Program, the MESA IDEA Accelerator, and the MESA Student Leadership Conference. MESA serves students ages 11 to 19.
Programs
- MESA College Prep Program
- MESA Community College Program
- MESA University Program — University-level program supporting students at California universities in attaining degrees in engineering and computer science.
At a glance
- Ages: 11–18 years old
About the provider
MESA began in 1970 with 25 students at Oakland Technical High School. Its mission is to ensure all students in California have access to mentoring, experiences, networks, and other resources they need in order to earn degrees in calculus-based STEM fields and pursue careers in STEM. MESA is described as an award-winning program. It serves students across California through more than 350 middle and high schools, 100+ community colleges, and 19 universities, and the statewide office provides oversight and consistency for 70 MESA centers throughout California.
- MESASpace Virtual Skills Sessions
- MESA Mentor Program — Mentor program matching employees with engineering and computer science students for six months to one year, with monthly meetings.
- MESA IDEA Accelerator
- MESA Student Leadership Conference — Annual convening that bridges students from college to career and empowers them with soft skills needed to succeed in future careers.
What families say
“At that early stage, MESA helped solidify my interest in pursuing an engineering degree.” — Jason Ibarra
“The program changed the way I studied, learned, and supported those around me. I never imagined I could ever reach as high as I have.” — Katya Echazarreta
“I learned a love for hands on math and science from MESA. I saw a diverse group that made me feel included and I had fun! I credit it as one of the main things that helped steer me towards a STEM degree and career.” — Jennifer Scroggins
Last updated October 5, 2026.
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