The highly successful Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program serves over 800 students from 15 schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, 80 percent of whom go to college. It is part of the University of California's statewide MESA program, which was recently included in the Bayer Foundation's compendium of 21 "Best Practice K-12 Education Programs."
The annual guide is prepared for industry leaders interested in establishing educational partnerships in science and technology. It highlights "exemplary" programs that educate girls and minority students in related fields. MESA college graduates help fill the need for highly qualified technical professionals.
"We are proud once again to have been recognized by the Bayer Foundation as one of the nation's most effective programs in helping elementary and high school students participate and achieve in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Chancellor Henry T. Yang. "UC Santa Barbara has a strong commitment to preparing students for leadership in these fields, and MESA is an important part of that commitment."
Overall, MESA serves more than 20,000 K-12, community college and four-year college students each year. The program prepares students academically so they graduate with baccalaureate degrees in math-related disciplines. A total of 70 percent of MESA high school graduates pursue college degrees. In comparison, 48 percent of all California high school graduates go to college. UC Santa Barbara is among the top university destinations for MESA high school graduates.
"The vast majority of MESA students go to college, mainly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields," said Phyllis Brady, acting director of the MESA schools and engineering programs at UC Santa Barbara. "Our corporate supporters recognize our students as being highly capable, well-trained and committed. What makes the program unique and highly successful is that it is interconnected. Students can start in MESA in middle school and continue through high school and four years of college."
MESA is open to all first-generation college bound students. Many students also are from low-income backgrounds. The program includes academic counseling, classroom support and hands-on projects. Industrial partners provide financial assistance for campus workshops and science and engineering competitions, scholarships and internships.
MESA has been recognized as an outstanding public program by Innovations in American Government, a project of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Ford Foundation. MESA also has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
The Bayer USA Foundation supports programs "that enhance the quality of life, provide unique and enriching opportunities that connect diverse groups and ensure preparedness for tomorrow's leaders — thereby, resulting in sustainable partnerships that continually improve communities in which Bayer employees live and work."