Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)

1. Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Rev 03/10

2. To be covered in this presentation: • Industry’s workforce crisis • Science and math education in California: a grave challenge • Why California needs MESA • The MESA program • Latest MESA data

3. Industry’s workforce crisis • In 2001, some 14,000 California jobs requiring science or engineering degrees went unfilled. • Fewer than 20,000 science and engineering graduates are produced annually in our state. To fill state vacancies, California must increase the number of these graduates by 70%. • Jobs that require science, engineering and technical training will increase 51% nationally. This means 6 million potential job openings.

4. Science and math education: A grave challenge California ranks • 49th among all states in students taking advanced science courses • 48th for eighth grade proficiency in science • 35th for high school students taking advanced math courses

5. Why California needs MESA • The number of MESA high school seniors who went to college directly after graduation is higher than the state average. The UC eligibility rate for MESA’s high school seniors is more than four times higher than the state average. *Stats for 08-09

6. Why California needs MESA • The vast majority of MESA high school graduates go on to higher education. Stats for 08-09

7. Why California needs MESA • Most MESA community college students transfer to four-year institutions. • 100%of MESA community college students transferred to four-year institutions as science, engineering or math majors. Stats for 08-09

8. Why California needs MESA • The MESA Engineering Program demonstrates a model that is applicable across all four-year institutions.

9. Why California needs MESA(continued) • California MESA has been replicated in 14 states. • Nearly 100 companies work with MESA because of its outstanding track record.

10. MESA Works! “MESA is a shining example of how schools, from primary to postsecondary, can form partnerships to work toward closing the achievement gap.” Jack O’Connell, State Schools Superintendent “America is at a crossroads; how will we respond to the competitive pressures of a global workforce? MESA offers an important solution.” Tom Springmeier, Texas Instruments “ MESA brings along students who are able to stay abreast of fast- paced technological changes.” Yno Gonzalez, AT&T

11. Mission Statement MESA enables educationally disadvantaged students to prepare for and graduate from a four-year college or university with a math-based degree in areas such as engineering, the sciences, computer science, and mathematics.Through MESA, students develop academic and leadership skills, increase educational performance, and gain confidence in their ability to compete professionally. MESA has particular interest in and focus on students from those groups who historically have had the lowest levels of attainment to four-year and graduate level programs. By closing this achievement gap, MESA students and graduates will be better able to make significant contributions to the socioeconomic well-being of their families and their communities.

12. Vision Statement To support the national science and mathematics educational agenda by ensuring that all MESA students are mathematically and scientifically literate so that they can play a leadership role in an increasingly technological world.

13. Who MESA Serves (2008-2009) Total students served: 20,249 • MSP: 15,187 • 316 elementary, middle and high schools • 94 school districts. • MCCP: 2,837 • 33 California community colleges • MEP: 2,225 • 9 CSU, 2 UC, 1 independent centers

14. MESA Programs • MESA Schools Program • MESA Community College Program • MESA Engineering Program

15. MESA Schools Program (MSP) MSP serves pre-college students throughout the state so they will excel in math and science and go on to college in math-based majors.

16. MSP Components • Individual Academic Plans • MESA periods • Study skills training • Career and college exploration

17. MSP Components (continued) • MESA Day Academies • Parent leadership development • Teacher training opportunities

18. MESA Community College Program (MCCP) MESA, in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, provides math, engineering and science academic enrichment to community college students so they excel academically and transfer to four-year institutions as math-based majors.

19. MCCP Components • Academic Excellence Workshops • Orientation course • Assistance in the transfer process • Career advising

20. MCCP Components (continued) • Links with student and professional organizations • Student Study Center • Professional development workshops • Industry Advisory Board

21. MESA Engineering Program (MEP) MEP supports university students majoring in engineering or computer science so they will successfully attain their baccalaureates.

22. MEP Components • Academic Excellence Workshops • Clustering • Orientation course • Career advising

23. MEP Components (continued) • Links with student and professional organizations • Professional development workshops • Industry Advisory Board • Student Study Center and computer lab

24. MESA Works! For more information: http://mesa.ucop.edu