MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement)
Welcome to Coastline's MESA Program!
MESA empowers students pursuing STEM degrees by providing academic support and services aimed to help them succeed and transfer to four-year universities. MESA cultivates a community that enhances scientific curiosity and champions the personal, academic, and professional strengths of students from 1st generation, low-income backgrounds in calculus-based STEM majors.
- Academic Support: Benefit from tutoring, workshops, and study groups designed to help you strengthen your skills, collaborate with peers, and excel in your coursework.
- MESA Counselor: Receive personalized guidance from an experienced STEM counselor for course selection, understanding degree requirements, and navigating transfer opportunities.
- MESA Center: Find us inside the Student Success & Resource Center-Room #118 at the Newport Beach Campus. We offer study spaces, printing services, and essential supplies to support your success.
- STEM Tech & Supplies Borrowing Program: Access essential technology and equipment, such as laptops, graphing calculators, iPads, power banks, and Molecule Model kits, to support your academic success and hands-on learning experiences.
- Field Trips, University Tours, and Conferences: Engage in opportunities to network with industry leaders, university faculty, and like-minded students.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Serve your community, mentor others, or share your passion for STEM through volunteer opportunities, where you can make a positive impact.
- STEM Resources: Receive information on research opportunities, internships, scholarships, career development, and more!
To join MESA, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a 1st generation college student (parents did not earn a Bachelor's degree or higher)
- Be eligible for need-based aid (by submitting a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application)
- Have declared a calculus-based STEM major at Coastline College
- Intend to transfer to a four-year university with a calculus-based STEM major
- Plan on completing your 1st Bachelor's degree (cannot have an earned Bachelor's degree in any field)
- Be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or AB540 Student
- Have Coastline College as your award college OR plan to earn you STEM degree at Coastline
Social Justice History of MESA
Following the civil rights movement, a group of concerned educators and community activists in the California Bay Area created MESA. Its goal: provide the academic support, resources and career exploration needed to increase the number of minority students graduating from undergraduate engineering programs.
A grassroots effort that began with 25 students at Oakland Technical High School in 1970 has flourished into an award-winning program that serves almost 25,000 middle school, high school, community college and university level students throughout California each year. MESA's long history with industry and its vast network of alumni are key components to success.
Since its inception, MESA has sought to expand access and achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For the full history, visit History of MESA.