MESA Program

Exposing Kids To Math, Science And Engineering

MESA is an academic enrichment program specifically aimed at disadvantaged students

March 1, 2007

By Russ Hudson


The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program — better known simply as MESA — is an academic enrichment program specifically aimed at disadvantaged students to ensure they are exposed to those disciplines that are included in the program’s name.

It is one of the oldest, and most successful, programs of its kind. Founded in an Oakland school in 1970, MESA has been at Cal State Fullerton for more than two decades and is run from an office in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. It serves more than 1,400 students in grades 6 through 12 at six area high schools and eight intermediate schools. The MESA programs offer students individual help, advise and counseling, works with parents, helps with study skills, runs student competitions and offers students cash and other awards for excelling. Call 657-278-3195 for more information.

Along the same vein, the Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESME) enhances elementary and secondary teacher education in the sciences and mathematics.

CESME’s role is to take the lead in promoting collaborative activities among faculty from the education, science and mathematics fields, as well as developing partnerships with area schools, industry and community organizations. Another aspect of the center is the continuous effort to revise, update and strengthen the content of and teaching methods in science and mathematics courses for future elementary-school teachers, and to develop pre-service and in-service programs to help teachers keep abreast of national and state standards.

CESME, which was established in 1992 as a joint endeavor between the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Education, makes a special effort to reach out to communities with large numbers of economically disadvantaged students. For more information, call 657-278-4680.