WHAT:

Over 300 high school students from across Northern
California taking part in the University of California's MESA
(Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) program come to UC
Davis to have fun and take part in competitions that test
their skills.

WHEN:

10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13

WHERE:

All events take place in and around the Recreation
Hall on the UC Davis campus, except for the Web design
competition which will be in Room 1116, Academic Surge
Building.


VISUALS:

Students will be taking part in quizzes and
competitions including:

-- Testing balsawood gliders and mousetrap powered cars they
have designed

-- Building model brains from vegetables

-- Crystal growing

-- Public speaking

-- Packaged egg drop from a UC Davis fire truck (note: 1 to 3
p.m. only)

-- Web page design (note: 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. only)


The day will end with an awards ceremony from 3 to 4 p.m.


Participating students and teachers will be available for
interviews. Staff from UC Davis' MESA Schools program and
from participating MESA centers in Sacramento, Chico, Ukiah,
Sonoma, Stockton and the Bay Area will also be available.


BACKGROUND:

The University of California's MESA program,
founded in 1970, works with schools to help educationally
disadvantaged youth compete for college admission. The
program supports science and math teaching by reinforcing
existing classes or introducing extra classes and after-
school science clubs. Student volunteers from college
campuses go into schools to provide small-group tutoring and
help teachers with MESA projects. Projects emphasize problem
solving, team work and capability in math and science.


MESA programs begin work with students as early as sixth
grade and continue through high school. They also help
students and parents with advice on areas such as how to
select and apply to college, how to seek financial aid and
how to prepare for competitive testing. Eighty-five percent
of high school seniors graduating from MESA programs earn
college places.


DIRECTIONS AND PARKING:

From Interstate 80, take the UC Davis
exit and head north on Old Davis Road. After passing the
information kiosk, turn left to follow the road to a stop
sign. Proceed across a small bridge and then turn left onto
La Rue Road. Follow La Rue Road to Orchard Road: the
Recreation Hall is to your right. Turn right onto Orchard
Road to reach the parking lot. From Highway 113, take the
Hutchison Drive exit eastbound. At the traffic lights, turn
left onto La Rue Road. Follow directions as above.


Media can park free in any non-reserved parking space. If
your vehicle is not marked, place a business card or media
accreditation on the dashboard.